The Mystery of Masonry Brought to Light by the Gormagons 1724

William Hogarth made this print, *The Mystery of Masonry Brought to Light by the Gormagons*, using etching and engraving, processes that allowed for mass production and distribution. Hogarth was deeply invested in British society and was fascinated by the way that social structures were built, both literally and figuratively. Look closely, and you’ll see that he is lampooning the Freemasons and the Gormagons, rival secret societies of the 18th century. The print's satirical take on ritual and hierarchy suggests a critique of power and social exclusivity. The very act of etching, a method of replicating images for a wide audience, can be seen as a democratization of art, challenging the elite's control over visual culture. The fine lines and intricate details of the print, achieved through skilled labor, stand in contrast to the absurdity of the scene, highlighting the tension between craftsmanship and social critique. Through material and process, Hogarth's print invites us to question the values and structures of his time, blurring the lines between art, social commentary, and political action.