The artwork, titled “The Invasion, England,” is a print created by the artist William Hogarth in 1756. It belongs to the Rococo art movement and is part of an allegorical painting genre. This print measures 29 by 37.5 centimeters and is a piece within “The Invasion” series.
The artwork captures a bustling, chaotic scene outside an establishment, with a crowd of people engaging in various activities. In the center, a group of men, seemingly soldiers, surround a table laden with food and drink, which they appear to be consuming voraciously. The exaggerated and often comedic expressions on their faces contribute to the satire typical of Hogarth’s works. To the left, a drummer is seen resting against a drum, possibly indicating exhaustion or indolence. To the right, a man observes the commotion through a telescope, while others in the background appear engaged in militaristic activities. Above, a sign bearing the portrait of the Duke of Cumberland, also referred to as “Butcher Cumberland,” hangs prominently, adding an air of political satire. The detailed lines and cross-hatching typical of the print medium enhance the dynamic, almost chaotic atmosphere of the scene, embodying Hogarth’s critical perspective on society and politics.
