Artwork
The Four Times of the Day
The Four Times of the Day is a print by the Baroque artist William Hogarth. It dates from 1737 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1736 and published as an engraving in 1737, *Morning* is the first of four prints in William Hogarth’s series *The Four Times of the Day*.
Created in 1736 and published as an engraving in 1737, *Morning* is the first of four prints in William Hogarth’s series *The Four Times of the Day*. Each print captures a distinct hour of the day in London, with *Morning* portraying the city’s early bustle. The image was reproduced from a painted original and circulated widely, reflecting Hogarth’s interest in reaching a broad public through print media.
Subject & Meaning
The scene centers on a group gathered around a small street fire, likely for warmth or to dry damp clothing. A woman in a long dress, basket in hand, stands near the flames, while others huddle close. The presence of Tom King’s Coffee House in the background suggests a setting where social exchange and urban life intersect. The composition subtly critiques the disorder and moral ambiguity of city living at dawn.
Technique & Style
Hogarth employs chiaroscuro to heighten the drama of the moment, using strong contrasts between light and shadow to draw the eye toward the fire and its surrounding figures. The engraving’s fine lines capture texture in clothing, brickwork, and smoke, while the crowded composition reflects the energy of urban streets. His attention to individual gestures lends narrative depth to what might otherwise appear as a simple street scene.
History & Provenance
The series was produced shortly after Hogarth’s rise to prominence as a satirical artist. *Morning* was engraved by the artist himself and released alongside three other prints—*Noon*, *Evening*, and *Night*—each depicting a different time of day. The prints were sold individually or as a set, appealing to middle-class buyers interested in contemporary social commentary.
Context
In 1730s London, rapid urbanization and shifting social norms created fertile ground for visual satire. Hogarth’s series responds to the growing visibility of public life, from street vendors to coffeehouse culture. Unlike idealized landscapes, these scenes present unvarnished reality, aligning with a broader movement toward depicting everyday life with critical observation.
Legacy
*The Four Times of the Day* helped establish print series as a vehicle for social critique in British art. Hogarth’s use of sequential imagery influenced later narrative cycles in illustration and comics. While not widely copied in technique, the series’ focus on ordinary urban moments paved the way for realist depictions of city life in the 19th century.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Hogarth (; 10 November 1697 – 26 October 1764) was an English painter, engraver, satirist, cartoonist and writer.
