William Hogarth (1697–1764) was an English painter, printmaker, pictorial satirist, social critic, and editorial cartoonist. The outstanding British artist of his period, he tried to indulge in European history-style paintings. His real talents lay in realism, satire, and portraying the seamier side of contemporary life.
Born in Smithfield, London, Hogarth is best known for his moral and satirical engravings and paintings on ‘modern moral subjects’-such as A Harlot’s Progress (1731,) A Rake’s Progress (1735,) and Marriage à la Mode (1745.) However, his attempts to build a reputation as a history painter and portraitist met with financial disappointment. His aesthetic theories had more influence on Romantic literature than on painting.
Hogarth explained his artistic theories in The Analysis of Beauty (1753.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by William Hogarth
All the world is competent to judge my pictures except those who are of my profession.
—William Hogarth
Topics: Envy
Comedy in painting as well as in writing ought to be allotted the first place.
—William Hogarth
You know I won’t turn over a new leaf I am so obstinate, but then I am no less obstinate in being your affectionate Husband.
—William Hogarth
Topics: Husbands, Marriage
Serious dancing is a contradiction in terms.
—William Hogarth
I think it is owing to the good sense of the English that they have not painted better.
—William Hogarth
Topics: Art
Take my advice, and never draw caricature.—By the long practice of it I have lost the enjoyment of beauty.—I never see a face but distorted, and never have the satisfaction to behold the human face divine.
—William Hogarth
I know no such thing as genius; it is nothing but labor and diligence.
—William Hogarth
Topics: Genius
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Benjamin Haydon English Painter
William Blake English Poet
David Hockney British Artist
Ashleigh Brilliant British Cartoonist
Daniel Defoe English Writer
James Abbott McNeill Whistler American Painter, Etcher
Michelangelo Italian Painter
Charles M. Schulz American Cartoonist
Scott Adams American Cartoonist
Lynda Barry American Cartoonist