Analysis of Beauty: pl.2

1753

William Hogarth

Associated Names
William Hogarth

Artist, English, 1697 - 1764

This is a drawing of a dance taking place in an opulent interior space. The scene shows a large room with ornate walls adorned with portraits and illuminated by candle sconces. Elegantly dressed individuals are engaged in a formal dance. The central focus is a prominently dressed figure leading the dance with graceful movement, surrounded by others displaying joyful expressions and seeming immersed in the dance. 

The border of the drawing is decorated with various smaller illustrations resembling elements of an art study or catalog, including swirls, head and face profiles, different hat styles, and anatomical features like eyes, noses, or ears, all meticulously numbered for reference. The style suggests a detailed and organized approach, possibly with a satirical or educational intent, as it combines elements of social illustration and scientific analysis.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 41.3 × 51.8 cm (16 1/4 × 20 3/8 in.)
    mount: 46.3 × 62.8 cm (18 1/4 × 24 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1944.5.78

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Paulson 1965, no. 196, 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

1953

  • Masterpieces of Graphic Art from the Rosenwald Collection, Lowe Art Gallery, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 1953, no cat.

Bibliography

1965

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

Wikidata ID

Q65026899

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