The Cockpit

1759

William Hogarth

Associated Names
William Hogarth

Artist, English, 1697 - 1764

This is a painting of a chaotic scene at a cockfight arena. The full composition is densely packed with animated expressions and detailed figures that capture the frenzied excitement of the crowd watching a cockfight. The viewer's attention is drawn to the two birds in the center of the ring, while the audience surrounding them display a wide range of emotions, from intense focus to animated gesturing. Several individuals are seen leaning over the edge, eagerly watching or placing bets. The surrounding area includes various textures and patterns, such as brickwork and numerous hats worn by the crowd.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 31.2 × 37.7 cm (12 5/16 × 14 13/16 in.)
    mount: 46.3 × 62.8 cm (18 1/4 × 24 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1944.5.62

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Paulson 1965, no. 206, State only

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

Q65026870

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