Cruelty in perfection [graphic]
Found In:
Medical Historical Library, Cushing/Whitney Medical Library > Cruelty in perfection [graphic]
Description
- Title
- Cruelty in perfection [graphic]
- Creator
- Hogarth, William, 1697-1764, printmaker
- Contributor
- Hogarth, William, 1697-1764, artist.
- Published / Created
- published according to act of Parliament, Feb. 1, 1751. and [between 1790 and 1835]
- Publication Place
- London
- Publisher
- Wm. Hogarth and publisher not identified
- Abstract
-
Tom Nero, now a highwayman, has been arrested for the murder. He stands in the churchyard over the body of his pregnant lover, Ann Gill, whose throat and wrist are severed. One from the group of men who have apprehended Tom show him the knife as the others restrain him; they are armed with pitchforks, sticks, and other farm tools. Ann lies on her back on the ground, the bundle of plate that she has stolen from her mistress at Nero's request spilling out at her side. The light from the lantern in the left foreground illuminates the contents of Ann's letter to Tom telling the story of her entanglement and guilt. A box with her initials is open revealing a copy of the Book of Common Prayer and a copy of God's revenge against murder. Also on the ground near the lantern are Tom's pistol and a collection of watches that he has stolen. The clock in the church tower shows 1:00; a bat and owls circle overhead
- Description
-
Title engraved above image.
Restrike of a plate first published in 1751. This later printing was issued in The original works of William Hogarth (London : Sold by John and Josiah Boydell, 1790). The plate was again issued, with some lines strengthened by the engraver James Heath, in The works of William Hogarth (London : Printed for Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy ..., 1822); another edition was published by Baldwin & Cradock in 1835.
Third in a series of four: The four stages of cruelty.
Three columns each with four lines of verse etched below design: To lawless love when once betray'd, soon crime to crime succeeds: at length beguil'd to theft, the maid by her beguiler bleeds. Yet learn, seducing man! Nor night, with all its sable cloud, can screen the guilty deed from sight; foul murder cries aloud. The gaping wounds, and blood stain'd steel, now shock his trembling soul: but oh! what pangs his breast must feel, when death his knell shall toll."
"Price 1s"--Bottom left below design.
Temporary local Medical Library subject terms: Prevention of cruelty to animals -- Murder -- Pregnancy.
Price statement has perhaps been partially burnished from plate; it is lightly printed but visible on this impression. - Provenance
- Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Wynant Dean; 1985.
- Extent
- 1 print : plate mark 38.6 x 32.3 cm
- Language
-
English
Collection Information
- Repository
- Medical Historical Library, Cushing/Whitney Medical Library
- Call Number
- Print20074
Subjects, Formats, And Genres
- Genre
-
Book illustrations
Satires (Visual works) England 1751
Engravings England London 1790
Etchings England London 1790
Restrikes - Material
- etching and engraving ;
- Resource Type
- still image
- Subject (Topic)
-
Cemeteries
Criminals
Churches
Homicides
Pregnant women - Subjects
-
Cemeteries
Criminals
Churches
Homicides
Pregnant women
England > 1751
England > London > 1790
Access And Usage Rights
- Access
- Public
- Rights
- The use of this image may be subject to the copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) or to site license or other rights management terms and conditions. The person using the image is liable for any infringement.
Identifiers
- Orbis Record
- 16211139
- Object ID (OID)
- 17339310
Manifest Link
