William Hogarth Artwork valuations, appraisals and auction estimates

William Hogarth, born in the year 1697 in London, was an English painter, printmaker and portraitist. From a young age, he demonstrated a great passion for copying characters and designs, which is why he decided to train with the engraver Ellis Gamble. Read the full biography

William Hogarth, born in the year 1697 in London, was an English painter, printmaker and portraitist. From a young age, he demonstrated a great passion for copying characters and designs, which is why he decided to train with the engraver Ellis Gamble. For a living, the artist earned his living as a copper engraver and designer of cards and book illustrations. He admired the late Baroque work of James Thornhill and in 1724 joined a drawing school at Thornhill's home. In this way, a critical and constructive collaboration began between the two. At thirty years of age the artist also dedicated himself to painting, creating paintings that depicted scenes of theater and common life, demonstrating his great ability to represent funny episodes of life. In many other works, William Hogarth ridiculed the wickedness and follies of society through engravings. In 1757 he was awarded the title of sergeant painter to George III. The artist died in London in 1764.