1733
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
The Laughing Audience is a 1733 by William Hogarth, a Baroque work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This etching shows a packed room full of people. Some are dressed fancy, others look rough. A few stand out—one holds a candle, another leans on a cane. Most faces are turned toward a stage where a skeleton-like figure plays music. The crowd laughs, some covering their mouths, others pointing or shouting. The artist packed in lots of tiny details. Notice how the faces all look different, even in the crowd. The mix of rich and poor in the same space feels oddly real. Check out more by William Hogarth next.
William Hogarth (; 10 November 1697 – 26 October 1764) was an English painter, engraver, satirist, cartoonist and writer.
See the richer artist pageYour cart is empty
Explore artworks →
