William Hogarth was born on the 10th of November 1697 in London. In 1713 he was apprenticed to a plate engraver and 7 years later he had his own engraving business. The prints he made of theatre shows at this time helped to establish his artistic reputation. As Hogarth's work became popular people began making copies and selling them. Because of this the Copyright Act of 1735 was introduced, making the copying of someone else's work without permission illegal. Hogarth died on the 26th of October 1764 at the age of 66. His works ranged from realistic paintings to comic cartoons and he is... Show more

William Hogarth was born on the 10th of November 1697 in London. In 1713 he was apprenticed to a plate engraver and 7 years later he had his own engraving business. The prints he made of theatre shows at this time helped to establish his artistic reputation.

As Hogarth's work became popular people began making copies and selling them. Because of this the Copyright Act of 1735 was introduced, making the copying of someone else's work without permission illegal.

Hogarth died on the 26th of October 1764 at the age of 66. His works ranged from realistic paintings to comic cartoons and he is remembered as much for his political satires as for his great paintings.

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British Painters: William Hogarth

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10 Questions

1. Painted circa 1736, The Distrest Poet shows a writer sitting in an attic and scratching his head as he looks for inspiration. Five years later Hogarth created an etching with what title to accompany this piece?

The Sorrowful SculptorThe Agitated ActorThe Enraged MusicianThe Pitiful Painter

2. This painting of 1733 shows the inside of Bethlehem Hospital, more commonly known as Bedlam, the notorious mental asylum in London. It is the eighth and last work in which series?

A Pilgrim's ProgressA Knight's ProgressA Scoundrel's ProgressA Rake's Progress

3. The March of the Guards to Finchley was intended as a gift for which king?

George IIWilliam IIIGeorge IIIWilliam IV

4. This 1745 painting shows Hogarth's friend, the actor David Garrick, as he plays the role of which Shakespearean character?

Henry VProsperoRomeoRichard III

5. This 1745 painting shows Hogarth's friend, the actor David Garrick, as he plays the role of which Shakespearean character?

Henry VRichard IIIRomeoProspero

6. What is the name of this painting of a woman selling wares which she carries in a basket balanced on the top of her head?

The Match GirlThe Shrimp GirlThe Cup GirlThe Nut Girl

7. Who are the six people in this painting which demonstrates Hogarth's skill as a portrait artist?

They are his servantsThey are his studentsThey are his employersThey are his family

8. The 1745 painting Captain Lord George Graham in his Cabin was most likely commissioned by its subject to celebrate his recent victory over enemy ships from which country?

The USAHollandSpainFrance

9. The 1745 painting Captain Lord George Graham in his Cabin was most likely commissioned by its subject to celebrate his recent victory over enemy ships from which country?

SpainFranceHollandThe USA

10. The Tête à Tête is a painting of a Viscount and his wife who are not interested in one another, as they sit in a household which is falling apart. It is one of a series which is considered by some to be Hogarth's greatest work. What is the name of this series?

A Lord's ProgressMarriage à-la-modeUpper Class LifestyleDrunken Disorder