Hogarth and his times: Serious comedy

Reputation of William Hogarth

The reputation of William Hogarth (1697-1764) rests largely on his pictorial stories, a series of engravings that he called "modern Moral Subjects," the most famous being the Harlot's and the Rake's Progress.

Impact on various artists

In this catalog, David Bindman works backward from William Hogarth's reputation today where he is seen by some as a conservative populist and by others as a political radicaland examines his impact on various artists over the past three centuries. Bindman also sets William Hogarth's prints firmly in their historical context, discussing the artist's public and the different influences on his work, from Roman satire to the politics of the day.

Art lovers will enjoy this book

The result is an engaging and insightful portrayal not only of William Hogarth, but also of the middle years of the eighteenth century. Art lovers will enjoy this book, but so too will anyone with an interest in the literature and history of the mid- eighteenth century.

Hogarth and his times

Hogarth and his times: Serious comedy by David Bindman
Publisher: University of California Press
ISBN: 0520213009

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