Oil on canvas, relined
England, 18th century
Circle of William Hogarth (1697-1764) – English painter and graphic artist
Verso inscribed ‘Lady Townsend’
Dimensions: 77 x 63 cm
Good condition
William Hogarth is regarded one of the most important English artists of the 18th century; during his lifetime he produces numerous portraits of his contemporaries

The present lady’s portrait was painted by an artist active in the circle of the famous painter William Hogarth in the 18th century. It depicts a young woman wearing a voluminous plumed hat and flashing pearls in her hair. According to the master’s portraiture, the woman was rendered smooth facial features with a rosy freshness. Her finely executed lace blouse is another detail that constitutes the high quality of the painting.



The painting is in good condition considering its age. The canvas is relined and has been covered with narrow strips of tape along the edges. The stretcher is verso inscribed ‘Lady Townsend’. Besides, the stretcher reveals an old label of a Scottish art dealer ‘Doig, Wilson, & Wheatley‘. The paint surface shows some scattered areas of craquelure. There is a tiny loss of paint lower right. Inspection under UV light reveals a few scattered areas of retouching. The frame shows small traces of age and use. The framed work measures 92.5 x 80 cm and the size of the stretcher is 77 x 63 cm. (cbo)



William Hogarth (1697-1764)

Born in London, the painter and printmaker William Hogarth is considered one of the most important English artists of the 18th century, along with Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds. He dedicated himself to social themes and can be even regarded as a precursor of modern cartoonists. After his training as a silver and copperplate engraver, he studied painting at a private Academy in London. He also visited the painting and drawing school of the court painter Sir James Thornhill. Around 1720, Hogarth became an independent engraver. A short time later, he made his first group portraits of English families, called ‘conversation pieces’. However, Hogarth became famous by his painted and engraved ‘modern moral subjects’. Especially his corresponding copper engraving series was very successful. In 1757, Hogarth was appointed court painter to King George II. His works influenced many English cartoonists, and even contemporary artists such as Jörg Immendorff were inspired by him. His works are on display in many major museums, including the Hermitage, the J. Paul Getty Museum, the National Gallery and Tate Gallery in London. (cbo)

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