The Beggar's Opera, Act III (July 1, 1790, Met-Objekt 3910)
Original title: The Beggar's Opera, Act III
kurzbeschreibung
In 1790 William Blake engraved a scene from the third act of The Beggar's Opera, working from a painting by William Hogarth that depicts a courtroom with several figures involved. The print is executed as a copper engraving.
Description
A courtroom with stone walls and barred windows sets the stage. In the foreground a uniformed man addresses a kneeling woman in a white dress who appears to be pleading. Around them are further figures showing shifting emotions—excitement, grief, worry. From behind, more people watch the proceedings. The layout is symmetrical and brings the central figure into focus.
Context
This engraving reproduces a painting by William Hogarth on the subject of John Gay's famous opera. First performed in 1728, the piece offered satirical criticism of English society and politics. Blake engraved the plate on commission to circulate Hogarth's image. It was published on July 1, 1790.
Impact
The black-and-white reproduction and subdued light create a somber, serious mood. The detailed faces and symmetrical arrangement draw the eye to the central figure and heighten the drama of the courtroom scene.
Technique
In etching, lines are bitten into a copper plate. This process allows fine, sharp contours and precise reproduction of details. The print was made on paper; the plate measures approximately 45.5 x 58.6 cm.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)