The Company of Undertakers 

William Hogarth created “The Company of Undertakers” as an engraving. The eye is drawn to the multitude of figures tightly packed together, almost claustrophobic in their arrangement. Each character, rendered with fine lines, stares out, their faces detailed with individual quirks. Hogarth masterfully uses the print medium to create a dense, textured surface, filled with patterns and contrasts. The composition is divided into layers, each contributing to a sense of depth and intrigue. The repetition of faces and gestures creates a visual rhythm, reinforcing the sense of collective identity. Here, Hogarth satirizes the medical profession, critiquing the vanity and self-importance of physicians. The Latin inscription, "Et Plurima Mortis Imago," which translates to "And the Image of Much Death," underscores this critique. The stark contrast between light and shadow, achieved through precise etching, emphasizes the grotesque nature of the figures. The emphasis on pattern and detail isn't just aesthetic; it's a means of social critique, challenging established norms.