William Hogarth: Proceed with Caution

Born out of the economic bust of 1720, a rich tradition of British political and social satire arose among London's cultural circles. William Hogarth (1967-1764) stood at its epicenter targeting the government, contemporary society, and moral degenerates.

William Hogarth: Proceed with Caution brings together a selection of the artist’s most important eighteenth-century series including Marriage à la Mode, A Rake’s Progress, and Industry and Idleness. In this exceptional display representing the breadth and dynamism of the artist’s oeuvre, the exhibition imparts a broad understanding of Hogarth’s overarching messages.

This exhibition presents some of Hogarth's most powerful narratives and provides a glimpse of London in the first half of the eighteenth century. The prints displayed reflect the financial downfall and corruption of his fellow Londoners. Hogarth's series contrast virtue with vice; one avenue leads the viewer to honor and riches while the other undoubtedly leads to dreadful consequences and disgrace. His work incites his viewers to proceed with caution in their daily life.