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1 of 253523 objects
The Proportions of Garrick and Quin 21 Oct 1746
Pen with brown ink, over pencil | 22.6 x 18.5 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 913477
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A letter from Hogarth to 'T.H.', an unidentified member of a literary society in Norwich. It includes caricatures of James Quin (1693-1766) and David Garrick (1717-79). These two leading actors of successive generations played together only during the 1746-7 season, at the Covent Garden Theatre in London. Hogarth knew and had painted both men. Garrick was tall and thin while Quin was famously short and fat. In the letter, Hogarth proposes an experiment to study the perception of proportion: 'Let the figures be doubled down so as to be seen but one at once, then let it be ask'd which representes the Tallest man'. The letter may be Hogarth's response to criticism levelled at the print after his painting of Garrick in the role of Richard III which had been published on 20 June 1746.
Provenance
Collection of J.P. Kemble; his sale (10th day, lot 76); purchased by George IV from Colnaghi & Co., 16 July 1821, (Royal Archives GEO/MAIN/28336, 'An Original Letter of and drawing by Wm Hogarth relating to the height of Garrick & Quin, £15 15s')
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Pen with brown ink, over pencil
Measurements
22.6 x 18.5 cm (sheet of paper)
Other number(s)
RL 13477