[The sleeping congregation] [graphic]Hogarth, William, 1697-1764, printmaker[21 April 1762][printed 1830s?]engThe scene is the interior of a perpendicular Gothic church. The sand in the hourglass has run out, but the preacher continues to lecture, oblivious to the fact that his congregation has fallen asleep. The clerk below the pulpit eyes the bosom of the young woman sleeping in the lower right, fan in one hand and a book open to "... of Matrimony" about to slip from her fingers. An angel supports a banner that reads "et mon droit".Title and state from Paulson.Restrike on wove paper, likely printed in the 1830s or later. Level of plate wear is similar to that seen on impressions issued in: The works of William Hogarth, from the original plates restored by James Heath. London : Printed for Baldwin and Cradock ... by G. Woodfall ..., [1835-37]."Price one shilling"--Lower right corner, mostly worn from plate and illegible.