Marriage A-la-Mode: 5, The Bagnio
- Artist: William Hogarth
- Date: about 1743
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is "Marriage A-la-Mode: 5, The Bagnio" painted by William Hogarth. The scene takes place at the Turk's Head, a Turkish baths and coffee house in London. The Countess and her lover Silvertongue have escaped to this room above the bathhouse after a masquerade ball.
The atmosphere is tense as the Earl bursts in on them, and a violent confrontation ensues. Silvertongue fatally stabs the Earl, who falls to the floor as death overcomes him. The Countess, realizing what has happened, falls to her knees begging for mercy.
As you look closely at the painting, notice how Hogarth uses symbolism to convey the themes of love, lust, and deception. The syphilitic black spot on the Earl's neck is a stark reminder of his fate, while the proprietor of the Turk's Head bursts in with constable and night watchman, adding to the sense of chaos.
The use of firelight creates an intimate and dramatic setting, highlighting the emotions of the characters involved. The discarded clothing and rumpled bed suggest the Countess's haste and abandon. And if you look closely at the tapestry on the wall, you'll see a provocative image that adds to the overall sense of scandal and immorality.
Hogarth's series "Marriage A-la-Mode" is known for its satirical take on 18th-century society, and this painting is no exception. It's a powerful commentary on the social norms of the time, and it continues to captivate audiences today with its drama, emotion, and symbolism.
See it in person
Marriage A-la-Mode: 5, The Bagnio hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
