[Cruelty in perfection] [graphic] / J. Bell sculp.

Edition:

[State 1].

Published/Created:

[London]
Invd. & publish'd by Wm. Hogarth
Jany. 1st. 1750

Physical Description:

1 print : woodcut on laid paper ; sheet 46.6 x 40 cm

Related Links:

Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires, v. 3, no. 3160
Paulson, R. Hogarth's graphic works (3rd ed.), no. 189

Notes:

Title, state, and series title from Paulson.
Third in a series of four: The four stages of cruelty.
Print Shop; October 1959; Acquisitions no.: 959-10-1-258.

Abstract:

Tom Nero, now a highwayman, has been arrested for the murder. He stands in the churchyard over the body of his pregnant lover, Ann Gill, whose throat and wrist are severed. One from the group of men who have apprehended Tom show him the knife as the others restrain him; they are armed with pitchforks, sticks, and other farm tools. Ann lies on her back on the ground, the bundle of plate that she has stolen from her mistress at Nero's request spilling out at her side. The light from the lantern in the left foreground illuminates the contents of Ann's letter to Tom telling the story of her entanglement and guilt. A box with her initials is open revealing a copy of the Book of Common Prayer and a copy of God's revenge against murder. Also on the ground near the lantern are Tom's pistol and a collection of watches that he has stolen. The clock in the church tower shows 1:00; a bat and owls circle overhead.

Variant Titles:

Four stages of cruelty.

Associated Names:

Bell, John, active 1721-1780 [Printmaker]
Hogarth, William, 1697-1764 [Artist]

Topics:

Cemeteries
Churches
Criminals
Homicides
Perrins, Charles William Dyson, 1864-1958
Pregnant women
Steevens, George, 1736-1800

Language:

English

Genre:

Parables
Woodcuts -- England -- London -- 1751

Format:

Image

Content Type:

Prints & Photographs

Rights:

These images are provided for study purposes only. For publication or other use of images from the Library's collection, please contact the Lewis Walpole Library at walpole@yale.edu. Further details on the Library's photoduplication policy are available at http://www.library.yale.edu/walpole/html/research/rights_reproductions.html

Call Number:

Hogarth 750.01.01.01++ Box 305

Orbis Record:

11756378

Yale Collection:

Lewis Walpole Library

Digital Collection:

Lewis Walpole Library

Local Record Number:

lwlpr22580

Volume/Enumeration:

Digital version

OID:

16034689

PID:

digcoll:2810205