The Idle 'Prentice betray'd by his Whore, & taken in a Night Cellar with his Accomplice

1747

William Hogarth

Associated Names
William Hogarth

Artist, English, 1697 - 1764

This is a drawing of a scene in a night cellar where a betrayal takes place. The image features figures inside a dimly lit tavern-like environment. The central focus is on a person engaged in a discussion or deal, while another person behind them is preoccupied with items on a table. To their side, by a doorway, two other figures interact; one appears to be accusing or confronting the other. In the background, a fireplace provides light, contrasting with the dark corners of the room. Bystanders observe the events. The etching shows detailed patterns and shading to emphasize the atmosphere. The text around the image suggests a moral narrative.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 26.4 × 34.7 cm (10 3/8 × 13 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1944.5.52

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Paulson 1965, no. 176

  • Series Title

    Industry and Idleness: pl.9

Associated Artworks

See all 114 artworks
The image depicts an engraving of a seated man facing slightly to the right with his body turned slightly to the left. The man has prominent facial features, including large eyes, a prominent nose, and a closed mouth. He wears a fur hat, a dark coat, and a buttoned shirt with a white collar. A pug dog sits beside him, facing the viewer. Objects like books, an artist's palette, brushes, and a cloth are scattered around them. In the background is a draped curtain, and at the bottom is the inscription "Gulielmus Hogarth."

Gulielmus Hogarth

William Hogarth

1748

Collected Works of William Hogarth

William Hogarth

1697

This is a drawing of character profiles and caricatures. The drawing consists of profiles of faces depicted in a stylized manner on one side, and as exaggerated caricatures on the other side. Varying facial expressions and features are shown, with a row dividing the characters and caricatures to illustrate the difference through levels of exaggeration.

Characters and Caricaturas

William Hogarth

1743

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1965

  • Paulson, Ronald. Hogarth's Graphic Works. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1965. Rev. ed., 1970.

Wikidata ID

Q65026841

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