| Method | Copper engraving and etching |
| Artist | William Hogarth |
| Published | W Hogarth Inv et Sculp. c. 1726. [J & J Boydell c.1795] |
| Dimensions | Images ~225 x 175 mm, Plates ~245 x 175 mm |
| Notes |
A set of 6 plates illustrating scenes from Cervantes' Don Quixote, which were undertaken by Hogarth for a tentative Spanish edition of the work, to be printed by Tonson under the patronage of Lord Cateret in 1738. Tonson had requested illustrations from a number of engravers for the work, and although Hogarth was paid for his set, the edition was eventually printed with a set of scenes by John Vanderbank. In the Boydell editions, the set is printed over two sheets, with three separate plates per sheet. The scenes are each engraved with a description, and a Book and Chapter number below as follows: Plate 1. The Funeral of Chrystom & Marcella vindicating herself. Book 2nd. Ch: 5th. Plate 2. The Innkepper's Wife & Daughter taking Care of ye Don after being beaten & bruised. Book 3rd. Ch: 2nd. Plate 3. Don Quixote releases the Galley Slaves. Book 3rd. Chapter: 8th. Plate 4. The unfortunate Knight of the Rock meeting Don Quixote. Book 3rd. Ch: 9th. Plate 5. Don Quixote seizes the Barber's Bason for Mambrino's Helmet. Book 3rd. Ch: 7th. Plate 6. The Curate & Barber disguising themselves to convey D. Quixote home. Book 3rd. Ch:13th. 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 94-99 iii/iii Condition: Excellent impressions printed on two sheets with full margins. Light time toning and waterstains to margins, not affecting images or plates. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £350.00 |
| Stock ID | 50668 |