Redwell Wood Farm / Potters Bar / Hertfordshire, EN6 3NA, UK | USD $, Yen, Euro and all major currencies accepted. Change Site Language | Help | Your Cart (0)
Canonbury Antiques Canonbury Antiques
 
UK UK: + 44 (01707) 644717
USA USA: + 1 (877) 650-7261
USA: + 1 (877) 650-7261UK: + 44 (01707) 644717
  • Categories
  • Styles and Period
  • Room
  • Items on SALE!
  • Sell Your Items
  • Film & TV Hire
  • Contact Us
  • Visit Showroom
  • About
 
Subscribe to our newsletterand get 10% OFF!
search

Shop by Type
  • Dining Tables
  • Dining Sets
  • Art Deco
  • Tables
  • Dining Chairs
  • Seating and Chairs
  • Objet d Art
  • Bookcases
  • Bronzes
  • Desks
  • Buddha Statues
  • Lamps and Lighting
  • Steamer Trunk Luggage Cases
  • French Boulle Furniture
  • Architectural Salvage
  • Curios
  • Silver Plate
  • Oil Paintings
  • Cabinets and Chests
  • Chairs
  • Architectural
  • Fountains and Garden
  • Mirrors
  • Chinese Porcelain
  • Porcelain
  • Dressers and Sideboards
  • Tea Caddies
  • Glassware
  • Mirrored Furniture
  • Clocks

Shop by Style
  • Adams Antiques and Furniture
  • Antique Painted Furniture
  • Art Deco
  • Art Nouveau
  • Arts and Craft
  • Biedermeier
  • Black Lacquer
  • Boulle Furniture
  • Burmese Furniture
  • Chinese Antiques
  • Chinoiserie
  • Chippendale
  • Colonial / Campaign
  • Continental Antiques
  • Dutch Marquetry Antiques
  • Edwardian Antiques
  • English Antiques
  • Epstein Furniture
  • Farmhouse Furniture
  • Francois Linke
  • Francois Linke
  • French Antiques
  • French Empire
  • George II
  • Georgian Antiques
  • Gillows and Co Antiques
  • Gothic Antiques
  • Grand Tour Antiques
  • Hepplewhite
  • Hobbs and Company Antiques
  • Irish Antiques
  • Italian Antiques
  • Jacobean Antiques
  • Japanese Antiques
  • Lacquer and Ebonized Furniture
  • Louis XVI
  • Maple and Co Antiques
  • Marquetry Inlay
  • Napoleon III
  • Neo-Classical
  • Queen Anne
  • Regency Antiques
  • Rococo
  • Sheraton
  • Sheraton Revival
  • Swedish Antiques
  • Syrian Moorish and Islamic Furniture
  • The Garden
  • Vernis Martin Lacquer
  • Victorian Antiques
  • William and Mary Antiques
  • William IV Antiques

Shop by Room
  • Castle Chic
  • Aviator Furniture
  • Farmhouse Kitchen
  • Gentlemans Club
  • Medieval Banquet
  • Parisian Apartment
  • Regency Dining Room
  • Roman Villa
  • The Dining Room
  • The Garden
  • The Hallway
  • The Kitchen
  • The Library
  • The Living Room
  • The Lounge
  • The Study
  • Urban Loft
  • Victorian Dining Room
  • William IV Dining Room
WITH VIDEOS
Global Shipping
Global Shipping
Secured Site
Amex
Master Card
Visa
Discover

Returns Policy 7

Hogarth And Europe (Tate Britain, London)

GO BACK
all
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER And get 10% OFF!
Date
Mar
04
2022

Hogarth s  Gin Lane

(Above photo -  Hogarth's 'Gin Lane' )

 

Like many of us, I'd first really been aware of William Hogarth (1697 - 1764) via his engravings. I have a bit of a fascination for the Georgian era, particularly in London. Hogarth is perhaps the foremost visual chronicler of those times, conveying all its pomp and squalor in equal measures. My favourite work - and his most well known - being of course 'Gin Lane' (alongside it's companion piece 'Beer Lane') which acts as a warning to the dangers of gin consumption including the social problems, health issues and general drunkeness the spirit can cause. In comparison the residents of 'Beer Lane' were portrayed as healthier and less lascivious than the gin addicts, an epidemic that had gripped the country at the time. I chuckle to myself as I consider hence that being a nation of drunks isn't a new thing.

 

The Rakes Progress - Orgies. Obviously a more sedate affair in the Georgian era

(Above photo - The Rakes Progress - Orgies. Obviously a more sedate affair in the Georgian era )

 

Hogarth's other well known work is the 'Rakes Progress' which can be seen at Sir John Soane's Museum near Holborn - a trip well worth making. The series of eight paintings documents the rise and fall of Tom Rakewell, a narrative arc that journeys from a rich and privileged upbringing to losing it all and ending up mad and in prison. On the way he enjoys orgies with prosititues, gambling, drinking and any other vice that Georgian London could throw in Rakewell's path - so it wasn't all bad. He was an early rock star. Hogarth presents to us an archetype that still exists today and hence retains a relevance.  In fact the word 'Hogarthian' has entered the English dictionary (Of or relating to William Hogarth (1697–1764), English painter, printmaker, and editorial cartoonist, known for satirical political illustrations)

 

Hogarth self portrait - artist shown on a Hogarth chair

(Above photo - Hogarth self portrait - artist shown on a Hogarth chair )

 

In the excellent 'Hogarth and Europe' at Tate Britain he is positioned amongst his European contemporaries as Britain and Europe experienced similar sweeping changes to society and culture. This was an age of opportunity and change, enlightenment and innovation, but also materialism, exploitation and injustice. As is true today the gulf between the haves and the have nots was enourmous. Early travel and trade had opened up the continent to new tastes, spices, foods and flavours. Like Hogarth's engravings, much of the art has a storytelling focus showing different characters at various levels of class and society as they navigate this changing world. 

To me it really opened my mind to Hogarth's talents as an oil painter with all the detailed works on display. Pre-photography, it really is a window into London, Georgian society and manners - as well as a glimpse into the interiors and how people lived. Hogarth had a great sense of humour too and a keen eye for character and story and always underpinned by his knack for satire.

 

Hogarth s  The Distressed Poet  (1736)

(Above photo - Hogarth's 'The Distressed Poet' (1736) )

 

One of my favourite pieces is 'The Distressed Poet' (1736) which really plays on the struggling artist in his garrett trope very well. Perhaps the accompanying text describes it best: 'The poet gazes out of the window oblivious to the dog seizing the family supper and to the milk-maid demanding the account be paid. Among the pots on the mantlepiece sits a touch of ostentation - a redware teapot, probably Chinese.  In the 1730s tea was still an expensive commodity,while porcelains from Asia became a cult luxury. To display a newly arrived Chinese dinner service; to cram a mantelpiece with porcelain figures; to serve punch from a bowl imported from the other side of the world; to preside over the etiquette of the tea ceremony – allowed the newly-rich to flaunt their taste, wealth and power. Chinese Porcelain as well as its many European imitations became highly visible endorsements of status – or, in the case of the poet, pretentious ambitions.' (Lars Tharp)

 

Canaletto - TheGrand Walk, Vauxhall Gardens (1751)

(Above photo - Canaletto - TheGrand Walk, Vauxhall Gardens (1751) )

 

I really enjoyed this exhibition which was really well curated with accompanying pieces by European artists. It really gave us a fascinating glimpse into those times. Other favourite works include 'The Enraged Musicians', 'Southwark Fair' and 'The March Of The Guards To Finchley'. I also really enjoyed Calaletto's 'The Grand Walk, Vauxhall Gardens' which is the closest we will now ever get to this lost London pleasure garden. 

 

William Hogarth -  The March Of The Guards To Finchley  (1749)

(Above photo - William Hogarth - 'The March Of The Guards To Finchley' (1749) )

Related Articles:

Canonbury Antiques - Oil Paintings

5 Tips to Creating Beautiful Georgian Interiors - Canonbury

Georgian Sideboard - Mahogany Servers 

Georgian Knee Hole Desks - Everything You Should Know

Hepplewhite Sideboards - Antique Buying Guide

A Brief History of Georgian Pedestal Desks

Georgian Bookcases - Decorating A Classic English Antique Interior

Georgian Desks - Key Features from Canonbury Antiques 

Visit John Soane’s House and Museum - After Canonbury Antiques

Canonbury Antiques Shop Window

Georgian Antiques From Canonbury Antiques

 

More from News

Architectural Splendor - The Five Best Gilbert Scott Buildings in London SEP.14.2023

London's architectural landscape is a treasure trove of diverse styles and historical periods. 

MORE
all

Antiques Roadshow and Dinner - Hosted by Canonbury for NSPCC SEP.08.2023

Raffles, auctions, great food, not bad company and over £7500 raised for the National Society For Protection of Cruelty To Children

MORE
all

Exploring the Regency Era: The Five Best Georgian Squares in London AUG.16.2023

London, a city renowned for its rich history and architectural marvels, is home to numerous stunning Georgian squares that transport visitors back to the elegant Regency era. These squares, characterized by their harmonious symmetrical layouts, grand townhouses, and lush green spaces, provide a glimpse into the opulence and refined lifestyle of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Here, we present five of the best Georgian squares in London, each with its own unique charm and historical significance.

MORE
all

 

TOP OF THE PAGE
Top of the Page
  • SHOPPING
  • Shopping Cart
    Shopping Cart (0)
  • Buying Online
  • Get a Gift Voucher
  • Sold Items
  • CANONBURY INFO
  • Knowledge Base
  • About Us
  • Customer Testimonials
  • News
  • Newsletter
  • Sell your Antiques
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • CUSTOMER SERVICE
  • FAQs
  • Shopping
  • US Customer Service
  • Return Policy
  • SITE LANGUAGES
  • Our site can be translated into most languages using the Google Translate tool below:

  • SHIPPING
  • Shipping to United States
  • Shipping to Europe
  • Shipping to Rest of World
    FOLLOW US ON
  • You Tube
  • Facebook
  • Wordpress
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Flickr
  • SHIPPING
  • Shipping to United States
  • Shipping to Europe
  • Shipping to Rest of World
    FOLLOW US ON
  • You Tube
  • Facebook
  • Wordpress
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Flickr
+ 44 01707 644877
+ 44 01707 644717
  • CONTACT US

  • Confirm that you are human:
    5 + 5 =


  • SHOPPING
    Shopping
  • Shopping Cart
    Shopping Cart (0)
  • How to Buy
  • Get a Gift Voucher
  • Sold Items
  • CANONBURY INFO
    Shopping
  • Knowledge Base
  • About Us
  • Customer Testimonials
  • News
  • Newsletter
  • Sell your Antiques
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • CUSTOMER SERVICE
    Shopping
  • FAQs
  • Shopping
  • US Customer Service
  • Return Policy
  • SHIPPING
    Shopping
  • Shipping to United States
  • Shipping to Europe
  • Shipping to Rest of World
  • CONTACT US
    Shopping

  • Confirm that you are human:
    5 + 5 =


© - Canonbury Antiques - Redwell Wood Farm / Potters Bar / Herfordshine, EN6 3NA, UK

Website Developed by Nulence

© - Canonbury Antiques

Redwell Wood Farm / Potters Bar / Herfordshine, EN6 3NA, UK

Website Developed by Nulence