“First Stage of Cruelty” is a masterpiece created by William Hogarth in the year 1751. The artwork belongs to the Rococo art movement and is classified as an allegorical painting. It is the initial work in a series known as the “Four Stages of Cruelty”.
The artwork presents a bustling street scene filled with young boys engaging in acts of cruelty towards animals. In the center, a boy is seen holding a dog by its ears, while others around him either encourage or similarly mistreat various animals. The setting includes an urban backdrop with buildings, a church spire in the distance, and several onlookers, some appearing indifferent to the suffering. The composition and details are intricately rendered, typical of Hogarth’s satirical style, aiming to criticize and raise awareness about the moral decline and the importance of compassion towards animals.
