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The Laughing Audience, by William Hogarth, ink, 1733

The Laughing Audience

William Hogarth

1733

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Dominant colour

Overview

The Laughing Audience is a 1733 ink by William Hogarth, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?
William Hogarth
When & what style?
1733 · Baroque
Where can I see it?
National Gallery of Art

About this work

This image depicts a lively scene of people gathered in a theater, with a stage at the top and an audience below. The stage features a woman standing behind a counter, while a man sits next to her. In the foreground, a crowd of people is visible, with some holding objects such as a bucket and a fan. The etching showcases a range of facial expressions and body language, conveying a sense of energy and movement. The use of cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and texture, adding to the overall visual interest of the piece. If you're interested in learning more about this style of art, you might want to explore the Baroque movement, which is known for its dramatic lighting and intense emotions.

About the artist

Portrait of William Hogarth
Artist

William Hogarth

William Hogarth (; 10 November 1697 – 26 October 1764) was an English painter, engraver, satirist, cartoonist and writer.

See the richer artist page

More by William Hogarth

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