Four Heads From the Raphael Cartoons at Hampton Court (May 14, 1781, Met-Objekt 5937)
Original title: Four Heads From the Raphael Cartoons at Hampton Court
kurzbeschreibung
Dated 14 May 1781, William Hogarth's print brings together four male heads in profile. It was executed as an etching with aquatint, in the second state of two. The heads stand side by side in a row, and hair and features differ noticeably from one to the next.
Description
Four men's heads are lined up horizontally, each seen in profile. Varying hairstyles and facial shapes give every figure its own character. The background stays bare, so the heads stand out clearly. Contours and shading are set down in black on white, produced through lines of changing weight and through stippling. The layout feels balanced, with no discernible lighting scheme.
Context
Hogarth took as his model the celebrated Raphael cartoons at Hampton Court, originally intended for the Sistine Chapel and regarded as patterns for tapestries. Hogarth, known for his satires, turned here to a classical study. In those years he was increasingly occupied with writings on art theory.
Impact
Clean draughtsmanship and a calm arrangement lend the sheet a classical, dignified character. Because detail is held back and the grouping stays symmetrical, the image reads as clear and concentrated; the eye is drawn to a close examination of the physiognomies.
Technique
Etching and aquatint were both used, the aquatint allowing fine gradations of tone. Soft shadows come from the aquatint, precise contours from the etching. That the sheet survives in its second state points to later reworking of the plate.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)