Night

William Hogarth

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of a bustling night scene in an urban setting. It is depicted in a monochrome palette. The composition is detailed with a man looking out from beneath a window, a pail of water being emptied above him, and two individuals holding a lantern. There are various elements cluttering the street such as barrels, a broken cart wheel, and scattered litter. A tavern or alehouse sign hangs above, depicting a glass. In the background, a crescent moon illuminates the scene slightly, alongside swirling clouds in the sky.