Hudibras and the Lawyer (Plate 12: Illustrations to Samuel Butler's Hudibras) 1725 - 1730

William Hogarth made this print, "Hudibras and the Lawyer," sometime in the 18th century using the technique of etching, a printmaking process that relies on the corrosive action of acid on a metal plate. Hogarth was incredibly skilled in this process, using it to create very fine, intricate lines. Take a close look, and you will notice the image is composed of thousands of these tiny etched marks, which together create an incredible sense of detail, and depth. The complexity of the scene, from the packed bookshelf to the ornate decoration, speaks to the labor involved in the production process. Prints like these were a relatively affordable means of circulating imagery and ideas at the time, allowing Hogarth to reach a broad audience. Through printmaking, Hogarth was able to engage in a form of social commentary. These methods, materials, and social context are crucial to understanding the work's full meaning.