Artwork
Night
Night is an ink print by the Baroque artist William Hogarth. It dates from 1738 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:by later hand, upper right in pen and ink: 25.; on sign in image: Shaving Bleeding & / Teeth Drawn at a Touch / Ecce Signum; lower left in plate: Invented Painted Engraved & Published by Wm. Hogarth March 25. 1738. According to Act of Par.mt; lower center in plate: NIGHT; by later hand, lower right in graphite: P. 155ii
About this work
Overview
Night is an etching with engraving on laid paper by William Hogarth, portraying a vibrant nocturnal urban scene in monochrome.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures a dynamic nighttime cityscape, featuring a man under a window, a pail of water being emptied, and two individuals carrying lanterns, highlighting everyday activities.
Technique & Style
Executed in monochrome, the work showcases Hogarth's mastery of etching and engraving, techniques that allowed for detailed, high-contrast rendering of the scene's intricacies.
History & Provenance
Night is one of four works in Hogarth's 'Four Times of Day' series, each depicting a different hour of the day.
Context
Part of a thematic series, 'Night' reflects Hogarth's interest in narrating urban life and social commentary through sequential artworks.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of 'Night' are not provided, Hogarth's 'Four Times of Day' series contributes to his reputation as a chronicler of 18th-century English life.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
William Hogarth (; 10 November 1697 – 26 October 1764) was an English painter, engraver, satirist, cartoonist and writer.
