This is a very old 1822 imprint, from the original Hogarth plate, in excellent bright clean condition. The style of the wordings underneath and the size of the print are both right.
.Hogarth's wife Jane sold the plates to Boydell. The plates were then bought by the publisher Baldwin, Cradock and Joy at the Boydell sale in 1818. They published a book called "The Works of William Hogarth" in 1822 with the original plates restored by James Heath, engraver to His Majesty. The Heath edition was the last to print directly from Hogarth's original engraved plates. All 'Hogarth' prints appearing after this date are merely copies with either a recut plate or the 'engravers version'.' The print is rare, especially in this condition. Print is about 45 cm by 38 cm. We can post in our out of the excellent condition gilt frame and double mount, but we would prefer not to post with the glass. Frame is 74 by 66 cm.
Secure tracked postage only R90.
We are Treasure House, selling pictures from the same address in the greater Cape Town area for over 15 years.
Detailed description:
Leading extravagant, vitiated lives, the husband and wife have become completely alienated from each other. It is 1:20 A.M.; they sit apart after a night of independent entertainments. Enervated and listless, the husband slumps back on a chair gazing dejectedly at the floor, unaware of his wife's presence. A dog pulls his mistress' cap from his pocket; before him lies his sword broken in a fight. His wife, stretching gracelessly, vainly attempts to win her husband's attention by her glance and outstretched foot. Her entertainment, much more innocent and middle-class than his aristocratic debauchery, has been to remain at home and entertain guests at cards. "Hoyle on Whist" lies at her feet.
Above his head hangs a clock ornamented with the comically incongruous images of a cat, a fish and a Buddha. The mantle is cluttered with tasteless, grotesque little statues; a Roman bust with a broken nose stands in the center. In a picture above the mantle, Cupid plays the bagpipes; his bow lies broken beside him.
The young nobleman has his father's problems with money. His despairing Methodist steward (he carries a copy of "Regeneration" in his pocket) leaves with a sheaf of bills in one hand and a single one marked "Red'd. June 4, 1744" in the other.
In a second room, every bit as disordered as the first, a sleepy, carelessly dressed servant leans against a chair. The room is decorated with a row of mirrors, and a picture so obscene that it is covered is juxtaposed with portraits of Saints Matthew, John and Andrew. The candle stubs indicate the card party has been an all-night affair. One of the candles sets fire to a chair.
