The Politician, William Hogarth Engraving

This framed engraving is from The Works of William Hogarth, from the Original Plates Restored by John Heath. The work was published in London by Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy circa 1822 (though no date is listed).

William Hogarth (1697-1764) apprenticed with a silver engraver at the start of his career. He soon turned to the art of engraving plates for print and book publishing. By 1730, Hogarth had set up his own publishing business and thus took control of his own work. His influence is immeasurable, as he used his art to try and bring social reform and depicted moral issues of his time. This helped him establish satirical engraving as a true art form.