William Hogarth

Date of Birth: November 10, 1697

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: October 26, 1764

Biography

William Hogarth was an influential English painter, printmaker, pictorial satirist, social critic, and editorial cartoonist who lived during the 18th century. Born in London, he is best known for his series of paintings and engravings that offered a vivid commentary on contemporary social issues and human vices. Hogarth’s works are often credited with pioneering the genre of sequential art, which laid the foundation for modern comic strips and graphic novels. His most famous series, such as “A Harlot’s Progress,” “A Rake’s Progress,” and “Marriage A-la-Mode,” provide a biting satirical look at the moral and social ills of his time. Hogarth was also a staunch advocate for the rights of artists, contributing to the formation of laws to protect their work from unauthorized reproductions.

5 Interesting Facts about William Hogarth

1. William Hogarth was initially apprenticed to a silver engraver before he found his calling in painting and printmaking.

2. He was one of the first artists to produce “moral” works, which were intended to teach as well as entertain.

3. Hogarth was deeply involved in the foundation of the Foundling Hospital in London, an institution for abandoned children.

4. His work “The Four Stages of Cruelty” served as an early argument against animal cruelty.

5. Hogarth’s self-portrait, “The Painter and his Pug,” is one of his most famous and personal works, featuring his beloved pet dog, Trump.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Hogarth

1. “I have generally found that persons who had studied painting least were the best judges of it.”

2. “The only rules for the composition are to be found in the works of nature.”

3. “It is not in the power of painting to be more expressive.”

4. “Genius is no more than a great aptitude for patience.”

5. “All the world is competent to judge my pictures except those who are of my profession.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

William Hogarth’s net worth at the time of his death is not precisely documented, but he was relatively prosperous compared to many of his contemporaries, largely due to the commercial success of his print series and paintings.