Monday 11th September
WILLIAM HOGARTH: A TERRIER SNAPPING AT THE HEELS OF THE GREAT
A lecture by Rosalind Whyte
This lecture looks at the life, times and work of William Hogarth, who has been described as ‘The Father of British Art’. Hogarth was closely involved with the social and political issues of his times, as is reflected in his work and the sometimes scathing and satirical nature of his responses to current issues. His relationship with some of the important personalities of the time will also be explored, be it his support of the work of his father-in-law Sir James Thornhill, or his attacks on the work of William Kent or the politics of John Wilkes. The lecture explores the variety of forms he worked in, from his ‘Modern Moral Subjects ’and Conversation Pieces to his portraiture and attempts at History painting. But no exploration of Hogarth’s work would be complete without looking at his cutting and often bawdy sense of humour and an exploration of the wealth of detail in his work.This lecture looks at the life, times and work of William Hogarth, who has been described as ‘The Father of British Art’. Hogarth was closely involved with the social and political issues of his times, as is reflected in his work and the sometimes scathing and satirical nature of his responses to current issues. His relationship with some of the important personalities of the time will also be explored, be it his support of the work of his father-in-law Sir James Thornhill, or his attacks on the work of William Kent or the politics of John Wilkes. The lecture explores the variety of forms he worked in, from his ‘Modern Moral Subjects ’and Conversation Pieces to his portraiture and attempts at History painting. But no exploration of Hogarth’s work would be complete without looking at his cutting and often bawdy sense of humour and an exploration of the wealth of detail in his work.