| Method | Copper engraving and etching |
| Artist | William Hogarth |
| Published | [J & J Boydell c.1802] |
| Dimensions | Image 170 x 195 mm, Plate 185 x 235 mm |
| Notes |
A vignette of various weapons and accoutrements of war and conflict. The plate was originally used as a subscription ticket for Hogarth's 'March to Finchley.' The stand is arranged in the form of a classical triumphal monument, with the heaped weapons and banners resting on an altar. In the very centre, a pair of scissors has cut into the banner of the Order of the Garter, in the process of excising the Scottish lion rampant. To the left of the banner, the 'sinister,' are the weapons of the rebellious and barbarous Scots, including a spiked flail, a lochaber axe, and a set of bagpipes. Contrasting this on the 'English' right side are the weapons of modern 'civilized' warfare, including a cannon, a musket, a naval anchor, and a trumpet. The base of the altar features an inscription, the receipt for subscribing: 'Rec'd of 7s:6d: being the whole Payment for a Print Representing a March to Finchly in the year 1746 which I Promise to deliver when finish'd on sight hereof. N.B. Each Print will be half a Guinea after the Subscription is over.' William Hogarth (1697 - 1764) was born in London, the son of an unsuccessful schoolmaster and writer from Westmoreland. After apprenticeship to a goldsmith, he began to produce his own engraved designs in about 1710. He later took up oil painting, starting with small portrait groups called conversation pieces. He went on to create a series of paintings satirising contemporary customs, but based on earlier Italian prints, of which the first was The Harlot's Progress (1731), and perhaps the most famous The Rake's Progress. His engravings were so plagiarised that he lobbied for the Copyright Act of 1735, commonly referred to as 'Hogarth's Act,' as a protection for writers and artists. During the 1730s Hogarth also developed into an original painter of life-sized portraits, and created the first of several history paintings in the grand manner. Paulson 183 i/i, BM Satires 2631 Condition: Strong impression with wide margins. Waterstains to bottom of sheet, not affecting plate. Paper watermarked 'S.Lay 1802'. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £100.00 |
| Stock ID | 50665 |