DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.61480#0153
IMPRESSION FROM A TANKARD.
This print represents an impression from a tankard belonging to a club of artists,
who met weekly at the Bull's Head in Clare Market. Of this society Hogarth was a
member. A shepherd and his flock are here represented.
Mr. Ireland, in speaking of this print, observes, " A few impressions from [this tan-
kard have been fortunately preserved: I say fortunately, for I esteem the whole of this
production as worthy the refined taste of the present day; nor do we find in it any trace
of the vulgarisms so often imputed to Hogarth. The allegorical figures of Painting
and Sculpture are well drawn, and as happily disposed. The landscape in the oval I
judge to be the story of Laban and his sheep. It went also by the name of Jacob's
Well; and is said to have been in allusion to the sign of the house where the club was
held ; but to this we give no credit, as it was certainly known by the sign of the Spiller's
Head. The ornaments that are introduced are selected with taste ; nor is it too much
encumbered: and there is a simplicity and elegance in the ensemble, that does great
credit to the taste and talents of our artist.
" From this specimen we have fair ground to infer that he was not deficient in those
refinements in the art, which so justly captivate and engage the nicer eye of the connois-
seur. However alluring this style of design and execution may have been, he seems to
have produced few works in this manner. These could not enchain the talent of Hogarth ;
he had a nobler pursuit, the study of human nature ; and the hydra-headed monster of
follies and vices that is too frequently attendant on her train. These became the just
objects of the talent he so happily possessed; and in that [pursuit he stands unrivalled,
and will, in all probability, hold his deserved pre-eminence. Study and observation
may create a host of laborious and high-finishing artists ; yet it is nature alone that can
produce the mind of an Hogarth."
37.
This print represents an impression from a tankard belonging to a club of artists,
who met weekly at the Bull's Head in Clare Market. Of this society Hogarth was a
member. A shepherd and his flock are here represented.
Mr. Ireland, in speaking of this print, observes, " A few impressions from [this tan-
kard have been fortunately preserved: I say fortunately, for I esteem the whole of this
production as worthy the refined taste of the present day; nor do we find in it any trace
of the vulgarisms so often imputed to Hogarth. The allegorical figures of Painting
and Sculpture are well drawn, and as happily disposed. The landscape in the oval I
judge to be the story of Laban and his sheep. It went also by the name of Jacob's
Well; and is said to have been in allusion to the sign of the house where the club was
held ; but to this we give no credit, as it was certainly known by the sign of the Spiller's
Head. The ornaments that are introduced are selected with taste ; nor is it too much
encumbered: and there is a simplicity and elegance in the ensemble, that does great
credit to the taste and talents of our artist.
" From this specimen we have fair ground to infer that he was not deficient in those
refinements in the art, which so justly captivate and engage the nicer eye of the connois-
seur. However alluring this style of design and execution may have been, he seems to
have produced few works in this manner. These could not enchain the talent of Hogarth ;
he had a nobler pursuit, the study of human nature ; and the hydra-headed monster of
follies and vices that is too frequently attendant on her train. These became the just
objects of the talent he so happily possessed; and in that [pursuit he stands unrivalled,
and will, in all probability, hold his deserved pre-eminence. Study and observation
may create a host of laborious and high-finishing artists ; yet it is nature alone that can
produce the mind of an Hogarth."
37.