Hogarth Prints

5 engraving prints of biblical subject matter executed whilst trying to achieve the status of History Painter. This was a diversion from his usual satirical social commentary. The prints are copies by Hogarth of pictures he painted for St Bartholomew's Hospital and the Foundling Hospital from 1736-1748.

William Hogarth born 10 November 1697 – died 26 October 1764 was an English painter, printmaker, pictorial satirist, social critic, and editorial cartoonist who has been credited with pioneering western sequential art with his "Modern Moral Subjects", of which he produced engravings and sold on subscription. Hogarth was adverse to Continental art, the fashion of the aristocrats, but evidence of style shows a French influence and in 1753 published his 'Analysis of Beauty', which he stressed the importance of the serpentine line. He was born in London and was the son of unsuccessful writer Richard Hogarth. After a short period as a goldsmith apprentice he began to produce his own engraved works later taking up oil painting. He enjoyed some success with small portrait pieces called Conversation pieces and went on to create his satirical works of contemporary life such as The Rake's Progress 1735. During this time Hogarth transitioned and began to develop himself as a portrait painter and created the first of several History paintings, of which this collection represents.

Open and available for research.

Catalogued in January 2016 by Steven Peachey, Archives Assistant.

Copies may be made for private research purposes only.