A Rake's Progress: pl.8

1735

William Hogarth

Associated Names
William Hogarth

Artist, English, 1697 - 1764

This is a drawing of an asylum scene depicting the interior of a crowded room with various figures engaged in chaotic and disturbing activities. The image shows individuals in different states of distress and behavior that suggest mental instability. The central figure is shirtless and restrained, being attended to by a woman and an older man, possibly a physician. The background contains numerous figures engaging in erratic behavior; one individual is gesturing with exaggerated motions, while another plays a musical instrument. Two women are seen whispering and fanning themselves on the right. A small dog barks or is excited at the bottom center of the scene. The use of detailed linework and shading brings a sense of depth and structure to the image, emphasizing the confinement and tumultuous atmosphere within this enclosed space.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 36 × 41.1 cm (14 3/16 × 16 3/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1944.5.35

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Paulson 1965, no. 139, State i/iii

Associated Artworks

See all 114 artworks
The image depicts an engraving of a seated man facing slightly to the right with his body turned slightly to the left. The man has prominent facial features, including large eyes, a prominent nose, and a closed mouth. He wears a fur hat, a dark coat, and a buttoned shirt with a white collar. A pug dog sits beside him, facing the viewer. Objects like books, an artist's palette, brushes, and a cloth are scattered around them. In the background is a draped curtain, and at the bottom is the inscription "Gulielmus Hogarth."

Gulielmus Hogarth

William Hogarth

1748

Collected Works of William Hogarth

William Hogarth

1697

This is a drawing of character profiles and caricatures. The drawing consists of profiles of faces depicted in a stylized manner on one side, and as exaggerated caricatures on the other side. Varying facial expressions and features are shown, with a row dividing the characters and caricatures to illustrate the difference through levels of exaggeration.

Characters and Caricaturas

William Hogarth

1743


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1967

  • William Hogarth, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, VA, 1967.

Bibliography

1965

  • Paulson, Ronald. Hogarth's Graphic Works. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1965. Rev. ed., 1970.

Wikidata ID

Q65026799

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