Artwork
The Enraged Musician
The Enraged Musician is a print by the Baroque artist William Hogarth. It dates from 1741 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1967.117
- Credit line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur D. Prescott
About this work
Overview
The Enraged Musician is a 1741 engraving by William Hogarth, an English artist known for his satirical works. The print showcases Hogarth's ability to capture the tensions between art and everyday life in 18th-century London.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts a musician, likely a cello player, reacting to the chaos around him, including street vendors, noisy children, and a barking dog. The title suggests the print is a humorous commentary on the annoyance musicians could cause their neighbors.
Technique & Style
Created as an etching, The Enraged Musician exemplifies Hogarth's skill in using visual satire to critique urban life. The crowded and chaotic scene is characteristic of Hogarth's style, which often employed humor to highlight social issues.
Context
The print reflects Hogarth's focus on the everyday life of London's lower and middle classes, using satire to comment on the city's noise and disorder.
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.
