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The Marriage Transaction

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

The Marriage Transaction

1745

Louis Gerard Scotin

French, 1690-after 1755

William Hogarth

English, 1697-1764

This 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.







Engraving
14 15/16 x 18 5/16 in. (38 x 46.5 cm)
Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection
33.719
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
location
Not currently on view

Resources

Published ReferencesIshikawa, Chiyo et al. "Seattle Art Museum Downtown." Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 2007, illus. p. 57

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