David Garrick and his Wife 1757

William Hogarth made this painting of David Garrick and his wife using oil on canvas. The painting’s material qualities are quite revealing. Hogarth uses oil paint to mimic the textures and tones of skin, fabric, and wood. The smoothness of the paint contributes to the luxurious sheen of the fabrics, particularly the lace adorning Mrs. Garrick's sleeves and the intricate detailing on David's coat. Consider the skilled labor involved in producing the garments depicted. The lace, for instance, would have been painstakingly handmade, representing hours of meticulous work. The fine wool of David’s coat, too, speaks to the textile industry’s role in 18th-century society. The materials and their making reflect a social hierarchy and an economy built on craftsmanship and trade. By focusing on the materials and processes involved, we gain a deeper understanding of the painting's cultural significance, challenging the traditional separation of art from the broader world of craft and labor.