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William Hogarth (1697-1764)

The Hazard Table c. 1728-60

Pen and ink and wash | 22.6 x 32.6 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 913474

  • A pen and grey ink drawing with grey wash, showing a group of figures seated around a gaming table, with an attendant in the background. One of the seated figures is a clergyman, and another is a young man wearing a Garter Star.

    The attribution of this drawing to Hogarth was questioned by Samuel Ireland, who failed to 'recognise in this drawing the faintest traces of that characteristic humour on which the reputation of Hogarth is so justly founded'; however, other scholars including Oppé accepted the drawing as by Hogarth's hand. Its function and subject are less clear. Oppé noted the similarity with a painting by Philippe Mercier, also showing a group of young players at a gaming table dated c.1735-40 (see John Ingamells and Robert Raines, 'Catalogue of the paintings, drawings and etchings of Philip Mercier', Walpole Society, Vol. 46 (1976-1978), no. 246).

    The youth wearing the Garter Star may be Frederick, Prince of Wales, or the young George III as Prince of Wales. The drawing was never used for a print by Hogarth, but an outline etching was made by Samuel Ireland in 1790 (see British Museum, 1858,0417.491).
    Provenance

    Samuel Ireland, 21 November 1794; his sales, London: Christie, Sharp and Harper, 6 May 1797 (lot 136, with no. 1) and London: Leigh, Sotheby and Son, 7 May 1801 (lot 311, with 'Swearing a Bastard Child', 11s); probably acquired by George IV; Royal Collection by 1833

  • Medium and techniques

    Pen and ink and wash

    Measurements

    22.6 x 32.6 cm (sheet of paper)