William Hogarth

William Hogarth's Night (Four Times of The Day): This scene takes place on a side street with Charing Cross in the background. Night is the most violent scene from the set and deals with the miseries of London life. To the left, a drunken barber-dentist has just cut his customer. On the window ledge rests pots of blood from the other patients of the day. Under the ledge homeless people huddle together for warmth. A drunken freemason and his companion walk awkwardly down the street. Blood on their heads indicate a recent fight. The contents of a chamber pot fall on them from above. The 'Salisbury Flying Coach' has dangerously overturned beside a bonfire and its occupants scramble to get out. One accidentally discharges his firearm. All is confusion and mayhem, except for the pipe smoking inn keeper in the background who pours beer into a large barrel.

The Four Times of the Day was first published by William Hogarth in 1738. Three plates from the set were both designed and engraved by him. The remaining plate, Evening, was designed by William Hogarth but engraved by Bernard Baron, a French engraver who resided in London. The Four Times of the Day delineates London life and entertainments and ranks as one of Hogarth's greatest set

Night was both designed and engraved by William Hogarth. This original engraving is printed upon early nineteenth century wove paper and with large, full margins as published by William Heath in 1822. It is a fine, original example of the satirical art created by the British artist, William Hogarth. Night; Paulson Catalogue #155, Second and Final State( Complete Set of Four Original Engravings).