“The Tête-à-Tête,” an oil painting on canvas by William Hogarth, created in 1743, exemplifies the Rococo art movement. Measuring 91 by 70 cm, this genre painting forms part of the “Marriage à la Mode” series and is housed in the National Gallery in London, UK.
The artwork captures a scene of domestic discord bathed in opulent Rococo details. A finely dressed man and woman occupy the foreground; the man reclines with a lethargic demeanor, while the woman appears to be stretching or gesturing, possibly signifying a lack of shared intimacy or communication. The interior is ornately decorated with elaborate furnishings, paintings, and a fireplace adorned with figurines, evoking an air of affluence mingled with negligence. The presence of a steward or servant with a perplexed expression in the background further underscores the scene’s complexity and social commentary, characteristic of Hogarth’s keen eye for societal critique.
