The Sleeping Congregation

1736

William Hogarth

Associated Names
William Hogarth

Artist, English, 1697 - 1764

This is a drawing depicting a courtroom or lecture setting with various exaggerated characters. The image shows a figure in a high position looking through a magnifying glass at a book, wearing a large wig. Below them, another figure appears drowsy, holding spectacles. In the foreground, a woman holds a fan and a book titled "Hoyle," looking tired. The background shows a crowd, some sleeping and others wearing unusual hats. The architecture includes arched windows and columns. Above, on a ceiling, are cherub-like figures and an inscription. The drawing is filled with satirical and humorous details typical of 18th-century art.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 26.4 × 20.8 cm (10 3/8 × 8 3/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1944.5.110

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Paulson 1965, no. 140, State iii/iv

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

Exhibition History

1967

  • William Hogarth, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, VA, 1967.

Bibliography

1965

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

Wikidata ID

Q65026970

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