The artwork titled “Surrounded by Artists and Professors” by William Hogarth is presented through the medium of lithography on paper. This piece, which belongs to the Rococo art movement and is classified under the genre of genre painting, is part of Hogarth’s renowned series “Rake’s Progress.” The artwork is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a lively scene crowded with individuals, most likely artists and scholars, engaging in various activities within an interior setting. At the foreground, a musician is seated at the piano, deeply engrossed in performing. A group of elaborately dressed individuals, likely patrons or high society members, engage in conversation and displays of opulence, flanked by artists who seem to be presenting or discussing their works. The room is adorned with large paintings and ornate architecture, illustrating the elegance and extravagant tastes of the period. The scene is rich with detail and character, embodying the satirical and narrative approach that Hogarth is celebrated for.