THE GENERAL IDEAS

1-st satirical moralizing series of engravings

Is reproduced with convincing truth and profound realism

A faithful representation of a dissolute life of the rich

● The poor Squanderfields arrange the marriage of their son and the daughter of the city merchant

● The newly-married ignore each other

● A miserable end: the murder of the Viscount and the suicide of the young lady

PECULIARITIES

● Earl Squanderfield is depicted with the crutches he needs because of his gout.

● Sumptuously dressed; arrogant position

● A new extravagant house is being built in the neo-Palladian style

A plainly dressed merchant is scrutinizing a marriage contract

An impertinent lawyer is flirting with a bride

The Viscount looks foppish, admires himself in the mirror

A black patch on his neck denotes that he suffers from syphilis

The Bride is in a plain dress

Seems to be bored and discontent with her fate

Is disinterested in the process

Wears the French style dress

The way the dogs are chained symbolize the inevitable marriage collapse

A grand portrait in the French manner confronts a Medusa head

Aims

To disclose that the nobility live a virtuous life

To ridicule the arranged marriages

To reveal all the vices and sins of the upper-class