Cassandra, Frontispiece, Vol. 5 1725

William Hogarth created this etching, Cassandra, Frontispiece, Vol. 5, during the 18th century. Hogarth's image presents a scene of classical antiquity that invites us to consider the public role of art and the politics of imagery within his own time. Made in England, this etching reflects the growing interest in classical themes and the use of such themes to comment on contemporary society. Hogarth's choice of Cassandra, a figure known for her prophecies that were never believed, may be a commentary on the artist's own position within the art world. Was Hogarth suggesting that artists, like Cassandra, were often ignored or misunderstood by the society they sought to enlighten or critique? To understand this work more fully, we could look at the history of classical education in England, the role of the Royal Academy, and the broader social conditions that shaped artistic production during Hogarth's time. The meaning of this art is contingent on its social and institutional context.