Portret van William Hogarth 1764

This is a print of William Hogarth’s self-portrait, made in 1764, now at the Rijksmuseum. Hogarth is shown in a composed, seated pose, palette and brushes in hand, setting a tone of artistic authority. The composition is structured around a contrast between the artist and his work. Hogarth is rendered with detailed shading, while the canvas behind him features a lightly sketched figure of Comedy, symbolizing his artistic focus. A fallen book adds depth, possibly referencing classical influences or Hogarth’s departure from them. Hogarth uses the graphic medium to engage with notions of self-representation. The contrast of detailed portraiture against the sketched allegory examines the artist's identity. It invites a look at the relationship between the artist, his medium, and the cultural values he sought to represent. The image encapsulates a moment of self-aware artistic expression, rendered with structured composition.