William Hogarth and the Four Stages of Cruelty

This piece intrigued me the most because of the art story that is created in the progression.  This scene in the movement from childhood in the first stage, to adulthood with the horse-driver, death with the perfection, and   judgement in the fourth stage.  This creates an interesting understanding, as an idea of progression within the cruelty and torture of animals.  First is innocence, second is utility, third is acceptance, and fourth is education or administration of cruelty.