Some of the Principal Inhabitants of ye Moon

Date1724 (1822-1840)

Engraver William Hogarth (1697 - 1764)

Maker James Heath (1757-1834)

OriginEngland, London

MediumBlack and white line engraving and etching on wove paper

DimensionsPlate: H: 20" x W: 12"; print size H: 9 7/8" x W: 7" (shares plate with 1972-409, 14)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1972-409,13

DescriptionLower margin reads: "Some of the Principal Inhabitants of y.e Moon, as they/ Were Perfectly Discover'd by a Telescope brought to y.e Greatest/ Perfection since y.e last Eclipse, Exactly Engraved from the/ Objects whereby y.e Curious may Guess at their Religion, Manners. &c."
Label TextThis print satirizes the imagined discovery of inhabitants on the moon was originally published after a highly publicized and celebrated lunar eclipse that occured in 1724. The print ridicules three central figures (from left to right) representing the Royalty, the Episcopacy, and the Law. In a clever attempt to avoid representing specific individuals, the figures are composed of emblematic objects. The commentary posits that these strange beings are actually familiar. The caption suggests to the viewer that, “ye Curious maybe Guess at their Religion, Manners, &c.”

This print was published in "The Works of William Hogarth, from the Original Plates..." which was published by James Heath in various editions between 1822 and 1840 using Hogarth's original plates.