William Hogarth & Louis Gerard Scotin

William Hogarth and Louis Gerard Scotin, an original engraving, Marriage a la Mode (Plate 1): The opening scene of Marriage a la Mode takes place in the opulent home of Lord Squanderfield. Suffering from the gout he is seated to the left, under the magisterial canopy. He is engaged in negotiations of matrimony concerning his effeminate son who is seated to the extreme right. The elder Squanderfield is proudly displaying a chart of his family tree (which shows his direct lineage to William of Normandy) to the father of the projected bride, who sits across the table from him. Plainly dressed in the clothes of a merchant he scrutinizes the marriage contract. Between them stands the usurer who is passing to Lord Squanderfield the major element of the 'agreement', which is money.

The reason the Earl is marrying his son to a non titled family is clearly evident through the window. Work on his new mansion has ceased due to lack of funds. The architect patiently waits at the window for a resumption in activities.

The younger Squanderfield is showing no interest in his prospective bride, who sits next to him. He is much more fascinated with his own reflection in the mirror. The bride, dressed much more plainly than the groom, is both discontented and bored. Standing beside her is Councilor Silvertongue, who seems very interested in the bride. Silvertongue will play a major role in the following scenes.

A nice touch is added by the pair of dogs at the young couple's feet. Their manacled state is clearly symbolic of the couple's marriage. On the walls hang portraits of Lord Squanderfield, many of them being ridiculously heroic.

Marriage a la Mode consists of six engravings first published by William Hogarth in 1745. Exploring the dire consequences of an arranged marriage, it examines both the foolish and dangerous natures of the aristocracy and the aspiring merchant class. Hogarth stated that he engraved the heads and faces in each scene. The backgrounds, however, demanded more technical expertise and he thus commissioned three French engravers working in London to complete the series. They are, Louis Gerard Scotin, born 1690 (plates 1 and 6), Bernard Baron, 1696-1762 (plates 2 and 3) and Simon Francis Ravenet, 1706-1774 (plates 4 and 5). Both Baron and Ravenet also assisted Hogarth in some of his other engraved sets.

This original engraving was designed by William Hogarth, engraved Louis Gerard Scotin and published by William Heath in 1822. (Complete Set of Six Original Engravings)

Marriage a la Mode: Plate 1 (Lord Squanderfield's Home, Negotiations of matrimony for his Son) was engraved by William Hogarth and Louis Gerard Scotin. This original engraving is printed upon early nineteenth century wove paper and with large, full margins as published by William Heath in 1822. It is a fine, original example of the satirical art created by the British artist, William Hogarth. Marriage a la Mode: Plate I; Paulson Catalogue #228, Seventh and Final State from Marriage a la Mode (Complete set of Six Original Engravings).