Art

Hogarth's 12 prints illustrating Samuel Butler's poem Hudibras, were among his favourite works. The work is a satirical polemic upon Roundheads, Puritans, Presbyterians and many of the other factions involved in the English Civil War. The work was written in three parts in 1663, 1664 and 1678 although an unauthorised edition came out in 1662. Although a little more obscure than some of his works, they represent an important stage in his development; Butler's comic narrative was the perfect subject for Hogarth to develop his gift for social satire. Twelve prints are on seven sheets - two prints on each sheet, except for plates eleven and twelve which each have their own sheet. Copper engraving. Uncoloured. Size: 36 x 54 cm (14 x 21½ inches). Very good condition, generally. Sheets 3 & 4 containing plates 5 to 8 are trimmed along the lower edge, shaving the lowest line of the text. Sheets 3, 4, and 6 are lightly damp-stained.