William hogarth brief biography

Summary of William Hogarth

Best remembered for his intricate and satirical prints, Hogarth was a varied and prolific artist who mastered a range of styles and genres ranging from conversation pieces and realistic portraiture to grotesque caricature.

He was the most significant artist of his generation and the first English-born artist to attract attention abroad.

William hogarth brief biography

Hogarth invented the idea of a narrative series of prints, which told a story through a number of images, and he produced a significant number on "modern moral subjects" from prostitution to politics. In doing so he provided a visceral social commentary, highlighting and lampooning corruption and presenting images of the seedy underbelly of London, which had rarely been portrayed before.

It was these unique prints that brought him wealth and fame in his own lifetime and beyond, as well as influencing the work of 18^th century novelists in their subject matter and focus on individual narratives. The prints can also be seen