First Stage of Cruelty

Artist William Hogarth English, 1697 - 1764

DateFeb. 1, 1751

Mediumengraving

DimensionsImage: 13 15/16 × 11 9/16 in. (35.4 × 29.4 cm)

ClassificationsVisual Works

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Object number1972.24.5A

DescriptionThe first of a series; this engraving shows a group of boys on a street torturing animals; another boy is trying unsuccessfully to bribe them to stop by offering his tart; beneath is engraved a verse extolling the virtue of pity and deploring cruelty.

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