THE INDUSTRIOUS PRENTICE, WILLIAM HOGARTH

William Hogarth (1697-1764) was a highly skilled English artist, represented at the National Gallery, London, Tate Gallery, London and numerous other major collections, some by circumstance of his extraordinary approach to art and life. Disgusted by the corruption of politics and the immorality of the populace, he turned his enormous talents to the production of moral works which satirized everything from scientific zeal to the institution of marriage. Engravings from the originals were made and prints sold by subscription and at large. These allowed average people to purchase the works and owing to their even handed condemnation and extraordinary satirical imagery, they were very popular. Dated 1747. Tom Idle, accused of highway robbery pleads his case while his former comrade swears his perjury with his left hand. The bible is held by a clerk receiving a coin from a prostitute behind his back. 14" x 10 1/2". Professionally mounted and double matted, ready for framing.