The artwork entitled “The Lady’s Last Stake” is a genre painting created by the artist William Hogarth around 1759. Executed in oil on canvas, it measures approximately 91.44 x 105.4 cm and belongs to the Rococo art movement. Currently, it resides in the Albright-Knox Art Gallery located in Buffalo, New York, United States.
In this evocative painting, one observes a richly adorned interior scene, emblematic of the Rococo style’s fondness for elegance and detail. A lady, seated in a sumptuous, flowing gown, is prominently featured. She extends her hand towards a screen held near the hearth, suggesting a contemplative or dramatic gesture. To her side, a gentleman in a vibrant red coat appears engaged in conversation, his posture expressive and attentive. The background showcases a lavishly decorated space, featuring ornate wallpaper, a grand fireplace, and a mirror above the mantelpiece, reflecting the affluent setting in which this narrative unfolds. The composition captures the tension and drama of domestic life, imbued with Hogarth’s characteristic attention to social commentary and the complexities of human emotion.
