The Bench

Creator

William Hogarth

Preview

Creation Date

1850

Medium

Steel Engraving

Dimensions

7.5 x 8.25, 14 x 18 (in frame)

Credit Line

Long-term Loan from the Estate of Boris Blick, 2015

Accession Number

2015.54

Provenance

The Works of William Hogarth, Vol. II, Published by The London Printing and Publishing Company, 1850. " A fac smile of hogarth's own engraving, intended to show the difference between character and caractura." After an oil painting from 1758. Print differs from painting. Judges identified as Lord chief Justice for Sir John Willes, the principle figure; on his right Sir Edward Clive; on his left, Mr. Justice Bathurst, and the Hbon, William Noel.

Creator Biography

William Hogarth, British, born in London, England, 1697-1764.

Description

Four judges in traditional robes and wigs sit in court in various states of slumber and disinterest. Hogarth captures his subjects with a satirical wit. Although never finished, this engraving demonstrated the difference between "character and caracatura [caricature]." While the figures in the lower register depict the corruption in the legal system, their flaws are rooted in reality. The heads above, however, are drawn in an exaggerated fashion, suggesting parody. The Bench was one of Hogarth's final engravings.