'Night' by William Hogarth. Hogarth was a Freemason, serving as a Grand Steward. This popular print was part of a series entitled 'Four Times of Day', a series that were originally four paintings that were completed in 1736. The engravings were published two years later. The engraving reveals a chaotic but satirical scene; the seemingly drunken Mason (the jewel reveals he may be the Worshipful Master of the lodge) is being escorted home by his steward or Tyler, oblivious to the chamber pot being emptied over his head. Violence erupts all around them as they stagger homeward. The sign of the 'Rummer and Grapes' can be seen - the tavern where one of the four lodges that founded the Premier Grand Lodge met. The Mason may be a representation of Thomas de Veil - an unpopular and hypocritical Bow Street Magistrate who gave harsh sentences to gin-sellers, even though he was a known drinker himself.
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