Label
"Marriage à la Mode, Plate 4
William Hogarth, English, 1697-1764
Engraving
Gift of Prof. William A. McGill, 2001.10.05.04
“Having cast off her middle class awkwardness and inhibition, the Countess imitates the life style of the aristocracy (the coronets about the room indicate that the old Earl is dead). In contrast to her husband's bizarre passion for young girls, the Countess's middle-class origins reveal themselves in here interest in an ordinary love affair. Wearing jewelry on her hair and fingers and dressed in a low-cut gown, she sits at her levee with her back to her guests, oblivious to the music, attentive only to the addresses of Silvertongue. A child's rattle on her chair reveals that she has a baby which she has the servants care for.
Looking very much at home, Silvertongue lolls on the couch beside her, leaning intimately toward her. He points out the screen behind him and, as he explicates the masquerade scene on it, arranges an assignation for the night. The paper in his hand reading 1st Door, 2d Door, 3d Door is a key to the screen. Beside him lies Sopha, a venereal novel by Crébillon. The art in the room comments on the lady's preoccupation. Above her are pictures of Lot's daughters preparing to seduce their father and Jupiter possessing Io. On the opposite wall hang a version of the rape of Ganymede and a portrait of Silvertongue himself. Before them a black boy plays with a group of tasteless art objects purchased by the lady at an auction. A book beside them reads A Catalogue of the Entire Colection of the Late Sr Timy. Babyhouse to be Sold by Auction. The lot includes a tray inscribed with an erotic version of Leda and the swan by Julio Romano and a statuette of Actaeon; the boy points to Actaeon's horns to interpret the import of the conversation behind him.
Lying on the floor across from the youth are playing cards and correspondence, both indicative of the Countess's social life. Ly Squanders Com is desir'd at Lady Townlys Drum Munday Next; Lady Squanders Company is desir'd at Miss Hairbrains Rout; Lady Squanders Com is desir'd at Lady Heathans Drum Major on next Sunday; Count Basset begs to no how Lade Squander Sleapt last nite. The spelling on these notes is a judgment upon their authors' literacy.
Most of the group sit around in strained, affected poses. The center of focus is a bloated castrato (probably Francesco Bernardi, an Italian singer who lived in England for a while.) Overdressed in gold lace and tastelessly bedecked with jewels, the vain fellow sits haughtily back in his chair, unaware that only two in the whole group listen to him. Next to the singer sits a man with his hair in papers, bored but formally attentive. Beside him a fellow gestures preciously and screws his face up in feigned appreciation. A man with a riding whip snores while his wife strains forward in the direction of the castrato. A black servant laughs at the scene.”
From Sean Shesgreen, Engravings by Hogarth
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