The Five Orders of Perriwigs as They Were Worn at the Late Coronation, Measured Architectonically

1761

William Hogarth

Associated Names
William Hogarth

Artist, English, 1697 - 1764

This is a drawing of various styles of periwigs with accompanying text. The drawing showcases a collection of detailed illustrations of periwigs, organized architectonically, which were popular during a previous coronation. Each periwig is labeled with letters and presented in a stylized manner that humorously and analytically depicts them as classical architectural orders. The wigs are portrayed with elaborate curls, rolls, and textures, each with its own unique structure and cultural references. The drawing includes a detailed sectional view and measures alongside captions that provide information about the styles. The bottom section of the image shows side profiles of individuals wearing different types of wigs. There is also an 'advertisement' text section at the bottom referring humorously to the 'accurate measurements' of wigs from classical architecture sites.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 29.6 x 21.9 cm (11 5/8 x 8 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1944.5.113

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Paulson 1965, no. 208, 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

Bibliography

1965

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

Wikidata ID

Q65026974

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