Hudibras Catechized (Seventeen Small Illustrations for Samuel Butler's Hudibras, no. 14) 1721 - 1726

"Hudibras Catechized" is an etching by William Hogarth, part of a series of small illustrations inspired by Samuel Butler's satirical poem "Hudibras". Hogarth, working in the 18th century, a period marked by rigid social hierarchies, uses satire to challenge the status quo. “Hudibras Catechized” uses grotesque imagery to mock figures of authority through caricature. Here, the figures are made to look animalistic, which degrades their authority. The scene reflects the socio-political tensions of the time, particularly religious and political conflicts, that stem from the English Civil War. The emotional intensity is palpable; you can almost hear the screams of the figure being attacked, a stark reminder of the violence inherent in social and political conflicts. Instead of offering idealized or heroic narratives, Hogarth delves into the messy realities of human nature. Hogarth's work invites us to critically examine power dynamics, religious hypocrisy, and the human condition, reflecting a society grappling with issues that still resonate today.