WILLIAM HOGARTH VISIONS IN PRINT

Hogarth's pictures are famous for their widespread circulation as prints, bringing his world to life. This book gathers a selection of his best-loved and most inventive prints, showcasing his creativity and originality.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 80 pages
\n Publication date: 07 October 2021
\n Publisher: Tate Publishing
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Hogarth's paintings are among the most iconic of the 18th century. His noisy crowds, bustling streets, polite or not-so-polite companies, and all-too-revealing tales of human folly vividly bring the world around him to life. Their fame and popularity rest, above all, on their widespread circulation as prints, not only in England but around the globe, from the artist's lifetime to today. Having first trained as an engraver, this remained an important aspect of his art and success. It is in print that he is often at his most creative and original, capturing, in his own words, 'the perpetual fluctuations in the manners of the times.' Taking its cue from the portfolio collections Hogarth himself curated, this book gathers together a selection of his best-loved and most inventive prints.

Introduction:
William Hogarth, a renowned English artist of the 18th century, is celebrated for his captivating and enduring paintings. His works, characterized by their vivid detail and realistic portrayal of everyday life, have left an indelible mark on art history. Among Hogarth's most iconic creations are his depictions of crowds, bustling streets, and the folly of human behavior.

Crowds:
Hogarth's paintings of crowded urban scenes are among his most recognizable works. He masterfully captured the chaos, energy, and humanity of city life, often humorously depicting the quirks and contradictions of human behavior. His scenes of bustling marketplaces, political rallies, and social gatherings are filled with lively characters and intricate details, creating a sense of immediacy and realism that was unprecedented in his time.

Bustling Streets:
Hogarth's paintings of bustling streets are a testament to his keen observation of human activity. He depicted the comings and goings of people, from the wealthy and powerful to the poor and marginalized. His streets are filled with a diverse range of characters, each with their own unique stories and motivations. From the bustling crowds of London to the quiet alleys of rural towns, Hogarth's paintings offer a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people and the social dynamics of the time.

Polite or Not-So-Polite Companies:
Hogarth's paintings of polite and not-so-polite companies are a reflection of the social hierarchies of the 18th century. He depicted the interactions between different social classes, showcasing the manners, customs, and hierarchies that defined the era. His scenes of gentlemen and ladies engaging in polite conversation, while surrounded by servants and attendants, are contrasted with scenes of drunkenness, debauchery, and social unrest.

Tales of Human Folly:
Hogarth's paintings are not only a visual feast but also a commentary on human behavior and the consequences of our actions. He often depicted the darker side of human nature, exposing the flaws and weaknesses that lead us to make foolish decisions. His stories of love, jealousy, greed, and corruption are portrayed with a keen sense of irony and humor, allowing the viewer to both laugh at and reflect on the human condition.

Widespread Circulation as Prints:
Hogarth's fame and popularity rested, above all, on his widespread circulation as prints. His paintings were not only popular in England but also circulated throughout Europe and beyond. The ease of printing and the growing popularity of art collections made his works accessible to a wider audience, contributing to their widespread acclaim and influence.

Training as an Engraver:
Hogarth's training as an engraver played a significant role in his artistic development. He honed his skills in the intricate process of engraving and etching, which allowed him to capture the fine details and textures of his paintings. This technical expertise also enabled him to experiment with different printing techniques and styles, further enhancing the visual impact of his works.

Printing as a Medium:
Printing was a crucial medium for Hogarth's art, as it allowed him to reach a wider audience and experiment with different styles and techniques. He was particularly skilled in etching, a technique that allowed him to create intricate and detailed images with a sharp contrast between light and dark. This technique also allowed him to create multiple impressions of a single image, enabling him to produce large-scale prints that were both affordable and accessible to a broader audience.

Selection of Prints:
This book gathers together a selection of Hogarth's best-loved and most inventive prints. It includes works such as "A Rake's Progress," "The Four Stages of Cruelty," and "The Marriage A-La-Mode." These prints showcase Hogarth's mastery of storytelling, his ability to capture the nuances of human behavior, and his innovative use of printmaking techniques.

Conclusion:
William Hogarth's paintings are among the most iconic of the 18th century. His ability to capture the essence of human behavior, his attention to detail, and his innovative use of printmaking techniques have made his works timeless and enduring. Through his paintings, Hogarth has offered a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, the social hierarchs of the time, and the folly of human nature. His fame and popularity rest, above all, on their widespread circulation as prints, not only in England but around the globe, from the artist's lifetime to today.

\n Weight: 376g\n
Dimension: 176 x 217 x 12 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781849767699\n \n