The New Metamorphosis, Plate 5: Fantasio, Transformed into a Lapdog, in the with Donna Theresa 1723 - 1724

William Hogarth created this print, "The New Metamorphosis, Plate 5: Fantasio, Transformed into a Lapdog, in the with Donna Theresa," using etching. Note how the image is dominated by a tightly cross-hatched background, lending a claustrophobic feel to the interior space. The composition directs our gaze towards Donna Theresa, who cradles the transformed Fantasio. Hogarth uses line and form to express a narrative; the arching lines above the bed lead us to the figures below, suggesting an almost theatrical presentation of the scene. The visual contrast between the ornate bed and the plainness of the figures draws attention to the social commentary embedded in the work. Hogarth's choice of etching allows for intricate detail but also creates a sense of visual unease through its stark contrasts and busy surfaces. This is more than mere illustration; it is a structured critique of values, framed within the visual language of his time. The transformation can be seen as a symbolic disruption of the established order, challenging viewers to reconsider the boundaries of identity and status within society.