The Invasion, Plate 1: France

Art Historical Context

William Hogarth's *The Invasion, Plate : France* (1756) is a biting satirical print from the British artist's renowned series responding to fears of a French invasion at the outset of the Seven Years' War. Created amid rising Anglo-French tensions, this etching and engraving captures the chaos of imagined enemy preparations through exaggerated caricature, a hallmark of Hogarth'sistic and patriotic style. As Plate 1 of two, it mocks French military pomp with soldiers, firearms, blazing fires, a prominent cross, and looming ships, blending humor with propaganda to rally British spirit. Printed in the third state of three, this work exemplifies Hogarth's mastery of etching and engraving techniques, allowing intricate details and tonal depth on a modest plate size of 12½ x 15½ inches. The medium was ideal for disseminating satire widely, as prints like this were affordable and shared in taverns and homes, amplifying their cultural impact. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (gift of Sarah Lazarus, 1891), *The Invasion* highlights Hogarth's role as a 18th-century social commentator, using visual wit to critique foes and affirm national identity. Visitors will delight in spotting the artist's sly details amid the frenzy.

About the Artist

William Hogarth · 1697–1764

William Hogarth (1697-1764) was an English painter, printmaker, and pictorial satirist who became the first great English-born artist to attract admiration abroad. Born into poverty in London, the son of a failed schoolmaster who was imprisoned for debt, Hogarth's early experiences with the harsh realities of 18th-century urban life profoundly shaped his artistic vision. After apprenticing with si...