Hogarth's Critique of 18th Century Marriage

Oct 12, 2024

Lecture Notes: Hogarth's Marriage A-la-Mode Series

Context of the 18th Century Art Scene

  • Shift in Art Patronage: Transition from aristocratic to middle-class art patrons due to the Industrial Revolution.
    • Rise of a wealthy merchant class.
    • Art becomes a commodity affordable to the middle class.
  • William Hogarth: Known for prints more than paintings.
    • Prints were more affordable, sold for about a shilling.
  • Art and Commerce: Hogarth as an artist entrepreneur in the 18th century akin to 21st-century art commercialization.

Overview of "Marriage A-la-Mode"

  • Theme: Critique of marriages arranged for economic benefit rather than love.
  • Storyline: Follows the aristocratic family "Squanderfields".
    • Lord Squanderfield marries son to a wealthy merchant's daughter to maintain estate.
    • Exchange of aristocratic title for economic security.

Detailed Analysis of Paintings

1. The Marriage Contract

  • Characters and Symbols:
    • Lord Squanderfield: Points to a family tree, flaunts aristocratic lineage.
    • Son: Dilettante, self-reflective, shows disinterest in bride.
    • Daughter of Merchant: Victim of arranged marriage.
    • Counselor Silvertongue: Persuader, future illicit lover.
  • Setting and Symbols:
    • Business transaction atmosphere.
    • Gout-ridden Lord, wealth for building new mansion.

2. Tête-à-Tête

  • Scene: Post-marital discord.
    • Husband: Night of debauchery indicated by objects (e.g., woman's bonnet).
    • Wife: Implicates a secret lover, evidenced by mirror gesture and undone bodice.
  • Financial Mismanagement: Accountant frustrated by couple's irresponsibility.
  • Symbolic Contrast: Gaudy new purchases vs. classic aristocratic decor.

3. The Inspection

  • Setting: Doctor's office.
    • Young Lord: Shows symptoms of syphilis.
    • Visits doctor with infected mistress.
  • Characters: Apathetic apothecary, caricatured figures.
    • Symbols: Death indicators (skull, skeleton model).

4. The Toilet

  • Scene: Lady's private, yet public space.
    • Silvertongue: Now lover, suggests deception.
  • Absence of Childcare: Coral beads signal neglect.
  • Symbolic Art on Walls: Alludes to mythological deception.

5. The Brawl

  • Setting: Disreputable venue.
    • Climax: Silvertongue flees after stabbing husband.
    • Evidence of masked ball escapade.

6. The Lady's Death

  • Tragedy: Wife's suicide upon lover's execution.
    • Child: Sick with syphilis, bids farewell.
    • Father's Greed: Takes ring from dying daughter.
  • Symbolism: Dog stealing meat, reflection of moral decay.
  • Setting: Contrast to aristocratic environment.

Moral and Reflection

  • Victorian Critique: Thackeray emphasizes moral downfall.
    • Symbolic Ending: Reference to Tyburn, a place of execution.

Conclusion

  • Hogarth's series serves as a moral commentary on the societal changes and moral dilemmas of 18th-century England, highlighting the perils of prioritizing economic gain over personal and moral integrity in marriage.