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Marriage a la Mode: 1, The Marriage Contract, 1743. Artist: William Hogarth
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Marriage a la Mode: 1, The Marriage Contract, 1743. Artist: William Hogarth
Marriage a la Mode: 1, The Marriage Contract, 1743. The ageing Earl Squander, proud of his family tree but in need of money to maintain his position, is arranging the marriage of his son to the daughter of a wealthy city merchant. The young couple show no interest in each other, the bride plays with the ring threaded on her handkerchief, while the groom takes a pinch of snuff while admiring himself in a mirror. Found in the collection of the National Gallery, London
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Media ID 14890114
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Agreement Arrangement Bored Boredom Contract Earl Family Tree Father Fatherhood Fiance Fiancee Genealogy Georgian Grasping Greed Greedy Hogarth Husband Marriage A La Mode Money Paintings Rich Tradition Vain Vanity W Hogarth Wife William Hogarth Aristocracy Aristocrat
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print, titled "Marriage a la Mode: 1, The Marriage Contract" painted by the renowned artist William Hogarth in 1743, offers a satirical glimpse into the world of arranged marriages during the Georgian era. The scene depicts an aging Earl Squander, desperate to secure his family's financial stability and social standing, negotiating a marriage contract between his son and the daughter of a wealthy city merchant. In this composition, Hogarth skillfully captures the lack of genuine affection or interest between the young couple. While the bride absentmindedly plays with her engagement ring threaded on her handkerchief, her groom nonchalantly takes a pinch of snuff while admiring himself in a mirror. Their disinterest symbolizes their submission to societal expectations rather than following their hearts. The painting also highlights themes of greed and vanity prevalent within aristocratic circles at that time. Earl Squander's primary concern is maintaining his position and wealth through this strategic alliance. Meanwhile, both father and son are depicted as self-absorbed individuals more concerned with personal gratification than building meaningful connections. Hogarth's masterful use of color and detail brings this scene to life while subtly critiquing societal norms surrounding marriage arrangements in 18th-century Britain. This thought-provoking artwork can be found among other fine art pieces at London's National Gallery—a testament to Hogarth's enduring legacy as one of England's most celebrated painters.
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