William Hogarth Main

William Hogarth (10 November 1697 – 26 October 1764) was an English painter, printmaker, pictorial satirist, social critic, and editorial cartoonist who has been credited with pioneering western sequential art. His work ranged from realistic portraiture to comic strip-like series of pictures called "modern moral subjects". Much of his work, though at times vicious, poked fun at contemporary politics and customs.

Early life

Hogarth was born in London into a poor middle-class family. In his youth, he took up an apprenticeship where he specialized in engraving.

Career

Hogarth's works were a commentary on contemporary society, and these works were often seen as a form of moral instruction. His series of works included A Harlot's Progress, A Rake's Progress and Marriage A-la-Mode. He also made individual works, such as Gin Lane and Beer Street, which were created as a pair to compare and contrast.

Death and legacy

Hogarth died in London in 1764 and was buried at St. Nicholas's Churchyard, Chiswick Mall, Chiswick, London. His work and innovative approach to visual storytelling had a profound influence on subsequent British satirical art, such as that of James Gillray, George Cruikshank and Punch magazine.

See also

• English art
• Satire
• Social criticism

External links

• William Hogarth - Comprehensive site with biography, images of many of Hogarth's works, a bibliography, and links