A Scene from The Beggar's Opera
1728 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This oil painting depicts a pivotal moment from John Gay's satirical ballad opera, 'The Beggar's Opera', performed at Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre. It is one of several versions of this scene painted by Hogarth, who was instrumental in popularizing the work through his artistic depictions.
Did you know?
William Hogarth's depiction of 'The Beggar's Opera' was so popular that it essentially launched his career as a successful painter of theatrical subjects. The opera itself was a revolutionary smash hit in 18th-century London, famous for its sharp political satire that mocked the Prime Minister, Robert Walpole, and inverted the traditional hierarchies of high-society Italian opera by focusing on thieves, prostitutes, and corrupt officials.
On your wall. Unlock the 4K download and keep this piece in your Vault — forever.
Know the artwork. Knowing its title and artist turns a beautiful image into a story worth sharing — with a museum label:
A Scene from The Beggar's Opera
William Hogarth, 1728
