William Hogarth

The family situation of the Hogarths was not without a certain level of education in William's childhood but lacked material means. William Hogarth learned at an early age to contribute to the livelihood. Only late he started an apprenticeship as an engraver and silver engraver and made commissioned works in the name of his master. He did not find fulfilment in pure handicraft work and had the desire for an artistic activity.

He began studying painting in liberal London and established contacts with the court painter James Thornhill, where Hogarths refined his drawing and painting skills. William Hogarth found not only inspiration in the house of his mentor, but also love for the daughter of his artist father. The two got married at a time when William was already an independent engraver. Influenced by the privations of his childhood, he developed a great socio-critical intuition and created works in which there was no lack of criticism. He held up a mirror to society and thus laid the foundation for the stylistic device of caricature.

The artist became famous through series of paintings in which he judged social morals. For the laid table, he made amusements and portraits and was later appointed court painter.

William Hogarth became famous for the graphic series of pictures A Harlots Progress about the life of a young girl, which leads through prostitution, illness and death.