William Hogarth - 1735 Engraving A Rake's Progress: The Marriage

Description

A humorous scene from William Hogarth's series of eight paintings and engravings 'A Rake's Progress.' The series depicts the decline of Tom Rakewell, a wealthy young man with immoral and promiscuous habits. The scene depicted here is the fifth part of the story, where Tom attempts to salvage his fortune by marrying a wealthy but old and ugly spinster. In the background, his previous fiancée Sarah arrives holding their child. It looks as though Tom's eyes are already upon the pretty maid to his new wife's left during the nuptials. Well presented in an antique black frame with gilt running patterns. A poem is inscribed below the image. On paper.

Condition

Signs of wear consistent with age, including discolouration and foxing to the paper. Scuffs and losses to the frame. Overall, the artwork is in good condition for its age.

Size

40.5 x 47.5cm (15.9" x 18.7")
Framed Size: 46 x 53cm (18.1" x 20.9")

Collection Information

Sulis Fine Art is delighted to present this expansive collection of engravings by and after the greatest image-maker of the eighteenth century, William Hogarth (1697-1764). Many of the works are by Thomas Cook, who published them in his 1806 'Hogarth Restored', while others are from the original plates acquired by the publisher John Boydell in 1789, and the later Heath edition of 1822.

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Artist Biography

William Hogarth (1697-1765) was an English painter, printmaker, pictorial satirist, social critic, and editorial cartoonist. He is best known for his moral and satirical engravings and paintings such as 'A Harlot's Progress', 'A Rake's Progress' and 'Marriage A-la-Mode', and is considered one of the most influential artists of the eighteenth century. Born in London to a lower-middle-class family, Hogarth took up an apprenticeship with an engraver in his youth. In 1720, Hogarth enrolled at the original St Martin's Lane Academy, and then at another school run by Sir James Thornhill, serjeant painter to George I. He set up his own studio at the age of twenty-three. Hogarth painted portraits and history subjects, but is best known for his moralising engravings. He sought to capture humorous scenes from everyday life. In imbuing his work with rich narrative, Hogarth ridiculed the viciousness and follies of society and provided a moral lesson. His engravings brought him tremendous success. To safeguard his livelihood from unscrupulously pirated editions, he fought to obtain legislation protecting artists' copyright. The Engraving Copyright Act, known as the 'Hogarth Act', was passed in 1735.