William Hogarth (English, 1697-1764 ). Engraving entitled, "The Bench. Of the different meaning of the Words Character, Caracatura, and Outre in Painting and Drawing" - Published September 4, 1758. William Hogarth created both an oil on canvas painting entitled "The Bench" (1758) as well as this print of the subject which he issued the same year. Hogarth did this with other works; however, in this case the composition of the print diverges from the painting. Interestingly, Hogarth's goal was to create a demonstration piece that presented the differences between character painting, caricature, and outre. Hogarth was inspired to create this piece, because he had been accused of being a caricaturist and considered the label derogatory. Size: 12.25" L x 8.5" W (31.1 cm x 21.6 cm); 19" L x 15" W (48.3 cm x 38.1 cm) framed

In his own comments on "The Bench," Hogarth paralleled character, caricature, and outre to theatre's comedy, tragedy, and farce. Hogarth compared comedy with character, and believed that it demonstrated a realistic view of nature. He aligned tragedy to caricature, stating that it heightened reality by using exaggeration. Farce and outre, he noted, went to an extreme by heightening features to outrageous extremes.

William Hogarth is best known for his humorous series of satirical paintings such as "The Beggar's Opera" (ca. 1729), "The Harlot's Progress" (1731), and "A Rake's Progress" (ca. 1734). Although famous for his works that satirized his world's customs, Hogarth also painted formal portraits including "Captain Thomas Coram" (1740) and "The Graham Children" (1742) as well as several history paintings.

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

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#161938

Engraving has not been examined outside the frame but appears to have a strong plate mark, normal toning and slight waviness to paper, and a few minor stains. Frame shows normal age wear and could be secured better. Glass is intact.