'Heads of Six of Hogarth's Servants', William Hogarth

Artwork details

Artist

William Hogarth (1697‑1764)

Title

Heads of Six of Hogarth's Servants

Date c.1750-5

MediumOil paint on canvas

Dimensionssupport: 630 x 755 mm frame: 883 x 1009 x 65 mm

Collection

Tate

Acquisition Purchased 1892

Reference

N01374

On display at Tate Britain

Theme: BP Walk through British Art

Room: 1730

Display caption

This unusual group portrait originally hung in Hogarth’s studio where it must have served as an advertisement for the artist’s unrivalled skill in characterisation. The picture consists of a series of unrelated studies. Hogarth has achieved a unified composition through a symmetrical arrangement of the heads and a consistent light source coming from the upper left. Hogarth’s decision to paint his own servants together, outside the confines of their daily routine is quite unique. Perhaps the most striking aspect of this picture is the collective sense of dignity and humanity displayed by this assemblage of unassuming individuals.

August 2004