The Gate of Calais, or The Roast Beef of Old England

1748/1749

William Hogarth and Charles Mosley

Associated Names
Charles Mosley

Artist, British, c. 1720 - 1770 or after

William Hogarth

Artist, English, 1697 - 1764

This is a painting of a scene at an old city gate with various characters engaged in different activities. The image depicts a group of figures in a historical setting with an archway, coats of arms, and a portcullis. To the left, there are people seated, holding meat and a drink. In the center, several figures are in conversation or confrontation, one holding a large cut of meat. To the right, a man is resting on the ground with a pot. The style is reminiscent of William Hogarth, known for moralistic and satirical themes. The image portrays a contrast between wealth and poverty with detailed characters and setting.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 44.5 × 54.6 cm (17 1/2 × 21 1/2 in.)
    mount: 45.9 × 62.8 cm (18 1/16 × 24 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1944.5.57

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Paulson 1965, no. 180, State ii/ii

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

Q65026848

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