TIM BATCHELOR: This painting shows the self-portrait of Hogarth, considered by many to be a founding father of the National School of British Painting. NARRATOR: Curator Tim Batchelor. TIM BATCHELOR: His likeness is shown depicted in this oval canvas shown within the frame. X-rays of the painting reveal that he originally intended himself to be shown wearing a wig, the attire of a true gentleman, but he decided during the course of painting this work to reject that approach and to show himself simply with his close-cut hair and wearing a cap. He presents himself as an artisan, rather than a gentleman painter. NARRATOR: This casual image matches Hogarth’s taste for informal, everyday subjects. But what about the items around him? The palette symbolises painting while the books represent three of the most celebrated authors in the English language: Shakespeare, Jonathan Swift and Milton; or drama, satire and epic poetry – three disciplines that underpin Hogarth’s art. And let’s not forget the dog. TIM BATCHELOR: He's shown with his pet dog, Trump, a pug, which refers to his pugnacious character.
