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The Marriage Settlement
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The Marriage Settlement
The first in the series Marriage A La Mode by William Hogarth, satirising the mercenary marriage practices of the British upper classes, circa 1743. Earl Squander, crippled by gout and debt, but possessing an illustrious family tree, arranges to marry his son to the daughter of a wealthy merchant. The merchant sits nearby holding the marriage contract, while the young couple share a settee on the left. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
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Hulton Archive
Media ID 10371850
© 2006 Getty Images
Architecture And Art British Culture Document Females High Section Learning Medium Group Medium Group Of People Painting Part Of A Series Performance Pets Practice Sepia Toned William Hogarth Diry Satirising
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The Marriage Settlement - A Satirical Glimpse into the World of Mercenary Marriages in 18th Century Britain
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print captures a pivotal moment in William Hogarth's iconic series, "Marriage A La Mode". The painting, created around 1743, serves as a scathing critique of the British upper classes' practice of arranging marriages for financial gain. In this scene, we witness Earl Squander, a man burdened by gout and debt but boasting an esteemed lineage, orchestrating his son's union with the daughter of a wealthy merchant. Positioned nearby is the shrewd merchant himself, clutching the marriage contract that seals this transactional alliance. On the left side of the composition sits the young couple on a settee. Their expressions betray mixed emotions - perhaps resignation to their fate or even defiance against societal expectations. Meanwhile, an adorable dog playfully adds charm to this otherwise somber setting. Hogarth masterfully employs sepia tones to evoke nostalgia and emphasize historical context. The medium group of people depicted here represents various social strata affected by these mercenary unions. Through his artistry and biting satire, Hogarth exposes not only the flaws within British high society but also raises questions about love versus materialism and personal agency within arranged marriages. This thought-provoking print invites us to reflect upon our own notions of love, marriage practices throughout history, and how societal pressures can shape our choices.
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