Art

John Wilkes Esquire (1727-1797) was a member of Parliament and a political agitator. In 1762 he founded The North Briton, a publication that consistently attacked the government of Lord Bute, the King and the artistic work of William Hogarth. He was twice expelled from the House of Commons but was re-elected by popular support. Such popularity made John Wilkes the lord mayor of London in 1774. William Hogarth stresses his deprived character. John Wilkes sits irreverently on his chair holding the Cap of Liberty on the Staff of Maintenance. Behind him are the issues of The North Briton where he attacks both Hogarth and the King. With twisted mouth and crossed eyes his expression is a combination of idiocy and evil. His wig is transformed into demonic horns. Paulson Catalogue 214, Second and Final State. Copper engraving. Uncoloured. Size: 23 x 35.5 cm. (9 x 14 inches)