Hogarth's fame: Best known for prints, not paintings
Historical Context: 18th-century England and France, early Industrial Revolution
Rising Middle Class: Demand for art increased, leading to art being marketed to the new middle class
Hogarth's Artistic Approach
Paintings used as models for his prints
Prints affordable for middle class
Hogarth as an artist entrepreneur
Art targeted to middle class with moral themes
"Marriage A-la-Mode"
Title Meaning: "Modern Marriage"
Theme: Critique on marriages arranged for economic reasons
Storyline: Aristocratic family, the Squanderfields, needs to marry into wealth
Analysis of Paintings
1. The Marriage Contract
Characters: Lord Squanderfield, his son, merchant's daughter
Scene: Economic exchange for marriage
Symbolism: Family tree, dowry, new mansion construction
Critique: Aristocratic lineage vs. financial necessity
2. Tête-à -Tête
Scene: Husband returns home from debauchery
Symbols: Dog sniffing bonnet, wife's undone bodice, music and overturned chair
Commentary: Infidelity and financial irresponsibility
3. The Inspection
Setting: Doctor's office
Theme: Consequences of syphilis, immorality
Characters: Young Lord Squanderfield, apothecary
Symbolism: Medical models, skull, caricatured characters
4. The Toilette
Scene: Woman at her dressing table
Theme: Neglect of maternal duties
Characters: Silvertongue, woman's friends
Symbols: Dress-up, music, art commenting on immorality
5. The Bagnio
Scene: Lover fleeing after murder
Theme: Consequences of infidelity
Setting: Disreputable room
6. The Lady's Death
Scene: Death of young woman
Theme: Tragic downfall due to immoral choices
Symbols: Poison, syphilis spot on child's cheek, greed
Moral of the Series
Thackeray's Summary: Avoid evil influences, value true qualities over status or wealth
Location and social change: Reflection on 18th-century London
Conclusion
Hogarth's work is a critique of societal norms and a commentary on the moral pitfalls of the period.
Each painting in the series serves as a narrative and moral lesson about the dangers of prioritizing economic arrangements over genuine human connection.