September 29, 2004
William Hogarth
Enoch Soames, Esq., has a nice link to an exhibition of the works of William Hogarth, one of my very favorite 18th Century English artists. Hogarth is primarily known as a printer, although, as noted, he was quite a master of painting as well. His prints and paintings, along with those of such other artists as Thomas Rowlandson and James Gilray (also favorites of mine), are the forerunners of today's political cartoons, providing humorous and sometimes scathing caricature and commentary on the various social and political issues of the times.
The above print is entitled "The Enraged Musician" and has always been a particular favorite of mine. Its companion piece is a plate called "The Distressed Poet." From time to time I look for these prints, but have never been able to find them. If you know of any sources, you might drop me a note in the Tasty-Bits (TM) Mail Sack.
Posted by Robert at September 29, 2004 09:18 AM | TrackBackAnother Hogarth fan! Yay! I own a 1803 reprint of "The Enraged Musician." I also own 1803 reprints of my two favourite Hogarth series, "The Rake's Progress" and "The Harlot's Progress." All are framed and displayed in the living room of the Villainschloss.
I got mine from my college advisor, and from a wonderful bookstore in Cambridge (UK). I find that from time to time some dealers on eBay carry Hogarth prints. There used to be an antiquarian in Old Town Alexandria who regularly had Hogarths in the store. I'll try and find the name of the place and let you know.
Posted by: The Maximum Leader at September 29, 2004 11:55 AMThanks very much! I've got the rather racy bedroom set "Before" and "After" - I found it through an ad in the New Yorker years ago.
Posted by: Robert the LB at September 29, 2004 12:03 PMThose two are wonderful! I forgot that I also have a copy of "Midnight Modern Conversation." Another favourite.
I'll look for that place in Old Town too...
Posted by: The Maximum Leader at September 29, 2004 12:58 PM
