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.