“Times of the Day, Noon,” created by William Hogarth in 1738, is an engraving on paper that belongs to the Rococo art movement and falls under the genre painting category. It is part of a series called “The Four Times of Day” and is presently held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a lively street scene crowded with various figures engaging in everyday activities. In the foreground, there is a distinguished gentleman in conversation with a lady, while several children and adults bustle around them. To the left, a woman stands near a shop, seemingly conversing with a child who is holding a basket. The intricate details highlight different facets of urban life, with the background showcasing a church and more architectural elements. The composition and the interplay of characters offer a vivid narrative of midday activities in 18th-century urban England, reflective of Hogarth’s keen observation and satirical style.
