William Hogarth: Characters and Caricatures


Fascinating exhibition at Eames Fine Art of prints by Hogarth.

All the usual suspects were here but with an excellent commentary on them in the context of their time plus a history of the engraving plates. The prints shown here came from the last printing off Hogarth’s own repaired plates in 1822 and were lovely, crisp versions.

It was nice to be able to get up very close to the prints, yes the glasses were off, and see how they were made up of tiny hatched lines, in an almost Pointillist style. It made you appreciate the workmanship and planning involved.

I particularly like the prints of London and theatrical life such as the attached of strolling actresses dressing in a barn, not exactly much privacy but I guess that wasn’t the point!

Closes 2 February 2020

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