“The Marriage Contract,” an artwork by William Hogarth, was created circa 1743-1745. Executed in oil on canvas and measuring 91 by 70 centimeters, it belongs to the Rococo art movement and the genre painting genre. This painting is part of the “Marriage à la Mode” series and is currently housed in the National Gallery in London, UK.
The artwork depicts a detailed and lively scene typical of Hogarth’s satirical style. The scene captures a moment of aristocratic negotiation, highlighting the marriage contract being discussed among the figures. The characters in the painting are portrayed in elaborate Rococo attire, each engaged in actions that suggest the transactional nature of the marriage they are brokering. The setting is an opulent, richly decorated interior filled with paintings and luxurious furnishings, emphasizing the social status of the participants. The expressions and body language of the figures suggest a range of emotions, from indifference and contemplation to calculation and resignation. This work not only showcases Hogarth’s skill in capturing human foibles but also serves as a social commentary on the mercenary nature of 18th-century aristocratic marriages.
