Hogarth:the shock of the New:
In the Spring edition of the Reader's Digest the above article "Hogarth: The Shock Of The New" was written by George Kent. It is a short piece of writing which uses successful concision to described a brief history of the life of William Hogarth. In this article we are informed of David Hockney's view of the 18th.century artist, " He had a very human eye. He understood mankind's follies and had a soft spot for them,but his work shows a certain delight in condemning low life". The curator of the Hogarth Exhibition,Christine Riding says: "No other artist's work has come to define a period of British history so powerfully and enduringly". The Hogarth Exhibition , currently showing at Tate Britain, will be on until end of April,07.
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6 comments:
Hi Fiona, I'm really glad you brought in the Hogarth picture for discussion in the seminar about reading images; it providing an interesting contrast with more "contemporary" images. I say contemporary with caution as Hogarth was in his time. The guides at Sir John Soane's Museum give fantastic talks and descriptions of the narrative elements within his pictures. They have a series called "The Election" which is fantastic. In the second, an indoor scene set around a large dinning table, some of the characters have been given trinkets, as bribes to support a particular candidate. The guides give fantastic animated descriptions of the different people portrayed; I really recommend it. When I went they talked about how Hogarth would steel elements from "old masters" and insert them into his paintings. Disgruntled at the lack of respect his pictures were given, in comparison, he was desperate to prove he too had skill, equal to those whose work he resented for its desirability to dealers. Apparently this series, The Election, was once displayed in his studio, not to be sold, but as advertisement for his skill in drawing, so that he may hopefully be commissioned for etchings. But not as advertising for more paintings.
Sorry I forgot to add that I hope you dont mind, but I was thrilled to discover your quote about Hogarth because of the use of the word folly. I hope you dont mind but I have borrowed it for my blog, Wends.
Your comment is very interesting and I would like to hear more from you re. the details of the exhibition you mentioned. I will ask you next time I see you.
Thanks for your sending me your e mail with your comments...it is very encouraging to have a little discussion re. this particular artist...and also serves as some feed-back to me of what generates interest from the Conversation Pieces...hopefully, when more technically skilled I will be able to post more articles-illustrations,works a bit more swiftly..to keep up interest!?!
Have a good weekend.
Fiona
I just wanted to chime i about the Hogarth's that are permanently on show at the Soane's museum.... worth seeing just for the amazing folding out walls. If you get one of the men there to show you round the painting room they are wonderfully knowledgable. Everyone should go.
Amy
Thanks Amy for your comment...and my apologies for the delayed reply..still getting the hang of this bloggs. Success of success,I managed to post my story on blog via word on to blog...instuctions are wonder!!(Gwen was my latest instructress) I will definitely get up to the Museum and see the Hogarth collection.
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