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Photo: Elizabeth Mann
The Marriage Transaction
Photo: Elizabeth Mann

The Marriage Transaction

Date1745
Engraver Louis Gerard Scotin French, 1690-after 1755
Maker William Hogarth English, 1697-1764
Label TextThis engraving from Hogarth’s satirical series Marriage à la Mode is packed with amusing and meaningful visual details which add up to an indictment of cynical, immoral behavior among the upper classes. In the opulent home of Lord Squanderfield, a merchant negotiates an upwardly mobile marriage for his daughter with the Lord’s vapid son, who is more interested in his own reflection than in his future bride. Hogarth was one of England’s leading artists during the Enlightenment. His “modern moral subjects” employed innovative storytelling through comical imagery, providing simultaneous instruction and enjoyment.
Object number33.719
Photo CreditPhoto: Elizabeth Mann
Published ReferencesIshikawa, Chiyo et al. "Seattle Art Museum Downtown." Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 2007, illus. p. 57
Credit LineEugene Fuller Memorial Collection
Dimensions14 15/16 x 18 5/16 in. (38 x 46.5 cm)
MediumEngraving
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
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1815
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Louis-Philippe Crépin
1806
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Charles E.P. Motte
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Object number: 44.593
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Albrecht Dürer
1508
Object number: 35.128.1
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Albrecht Dürer
1508
Object number: 35.128.2
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1513
Object number: 64.52
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Object number: 65.66