The Chorus 

Editor: Hogarth’s engraving, "The Chorus", presents a lively bunch seemingly belting out an oratorio, possibly from “Judith.” It strikes me as a really biting caricature. What is your take on it? Curator: This work reflects Hogarth’s engagement with the cultural and political life of his time. Notice the exaggerated features. It's a direct commentary on the London music scene, particularly the vogue for foreign, often Italian, opera and oratorios. Editor: So, it's about poking fun at the popular taste of the time? Curator: Precisely. Hogarth felt that these imported art forms were taking away from native English artistic traditions. Consider the context of growing nationalism. The theatre and concert hall were really important public spaces at the time and there was much contestation. Can you identify clues he embeds? Editor: Well, some seem very caught up, almost aggressively into it. While some seem… disengaged. Curator: Indeed! Hogarth masterfully uses caricature to critique what he saw as a manufactured enthusiasm, fuelled by social pressure and possibly even corruption. He's making a statement about cultural authenticity. How do you think its viewers might have reacted at the time? Editor: I imagine it sparked debate. Those who enjoyed the foreign works may have felt insulted, while others who shared Hogarth's sentiments might have cheered him on. Curator: Exactly. And it also speaks to Hogarth’s role as a cultural critic, always ready to use his art to engage in a public discourse and shape perceptions of what constitutes proper English art. Editor: That’s really fascinating; it’s more than just a funny picture. It’s like a visual opinion piece shaping popular culture at the time.