The Bench; Of the different meaning of the words Character, Caracatura, and Outre in Painting and Drawing
London: Baldwin, Cradock and Joy.
Etching and engraving. Sheet measures 12 3/16" x 8 3/8".
Engraving after a painting by the same name, with notable changes, accompanied by a lengthy inscription written by Hogarth seeking to illustrate and explain the differences between characters, caricatures, and outre. Hogarth regarded himself as a character artist, and found critics' view of him as a caricaturist to be offensive. The original painting depicts four judges in session appearing disinterested and even asleep. In this engraving, eight heads float above the judges, each drawn in a different style. The bottom of the text reads "The unfinish'd groupe of Heads in the upper part of this print was added by the author in Oct. 1764: It was intended as a further illustration of what is here said concerning Character, Caractura, & Outre, He worked upon it the Day before his Death which happened the 26th of that month." This is the fifth state of five. In good condition, toned with some stains and spots.
William Hogarth (1697-1764) is considered by many scholars and print enthusiasts as the grandfather of English graphic satire, but he was also an accomplished oil painter, portraitist, engraver, and draughtsman. Hogarth mastered the art of depicting human nature and all of its hypocrisies in society with graphic satire. The universality of his humor and the all-too-human characters featured in his works make Hogarth's satires remarkable. This print represents Hogarth's skills as an artist and as a conscientious observer of humanity.
Language: English
Price: $500.00
Item #299063