1781.
1. Portrait of Solfull,[1] a maker of punches for engravers. W. Hogarth del. S. J. fecit aqua fort. Mr. S. Ireland has the original sketch. This portrait is mentioned by Mr. Walpole under the title of "Two small heads of men in profile in one plate, etched by Mr. Ireland, from a sketch in his own collection."
[1] This was etched a second time, Mr. Ireland having accidentally lost his first plate.
2. Thomas Pellet, M. D. President of the College of Physicians. W. Hogarth pinxit. C. Hall sculpsit.
3. William Bullock the Comedian. W. Hogarth pinxit. C. Hall sculpsit. It is by no means certain that these two last portraits were painted by Hogarth.
4. North and South of Great Britain. W. Hogarth delin. F. B. [i. e. Francis Bartolozzi] sculp. This little print represents a Scotchman scrubbing against a sign-post; no sign on it; with Edenborough castle in the back ground:—and an Englishman reposing on a post, with a pot of London porter in his hand; the sign of an Ox, with roast and boild, by way of inscription, over his head; and a view of St. Paul's at a distance. I do not believe it was designed by our artist, whose satire was usually of a more exalted kind: neither are the figures at all in his manner.
A sketch imputed to Hogarth, and engraved by this matchless Italian, however, carries a double temptation with it, as it unites with the works of both artists, which are so much the present objects of pursuit. No man can entertain too high an idea of Barlolozzi's talents; but yet, being sometimes apt to sacrifice similitude to grace,
Emollit mores, nec finit esset feros.
He therefore is the last person from whom justice to the strong marked characters of Hogarth could be expected.
Since the above observations were communicated, a new impression of this plate has appeared with the name of Sandby annexed to it. The history of so extraordinary a change deserves notoriety. The publisher was at first assured that the sketch, from which he designed the engraving, was not the production of Hogarth. He, however, on his own judgement, pretended to affirm the contrary, being at least convinced that, during the late rage for collecting the works of our artist, no name was so likely as his to draw in purchasers. Having disposed of as many copies as he could in consequence of hanging out such false colours, he now sets sail again under those of Sandby, and would probably make a third voyage with Mr. Bunbury's flag at his mast head, were not our second Hogarth at hand, to detect the imposture.—The price of this etching, originally 2 s. 6 d. is now sold at 1 s. though the proprietor has incurred the fresh expence of decorating it in aqua tinta. Should it henceforward fail to meet with buyers, I shall not be ready to exclaim, with Ovid,
Flebam successu posse carere dolo.
The three last published by John Thane, Rupert-street, Haymarket.
5. First sketch of arms for The Foundling Hospital. Wm. Hogarth inv. 1747. Over the Crest and Supporters is written—A Lamb—Nature—Britannia. In the shield is a naked Infant: the Motto Help.
This is an accurate fac simile from a drawing with a pen and ink by Hogarth. Published as the Act directs July 31, 1781, by R. Livesay, at Mrs. Hogarth's, Leicester Fields. The original is in the collection of the Earl of Exeter.
6. Two Figures, &c. Hogarth inv. F. B. [i. e. Francis Bartolozzi] sculp. These figures were designed for Lord Melcombe and Lord Winchelsea. From a drawing with a pen and ink by Hogarth. Published as the Act directs, 31 July, 1781, by R. Livesay at Mrs. Hogarth's, Leicester-fields. I am informed, however, that this drawing was certainly the work of Lord Townshend. The original is in the collection of the Earl of Exeter.
7. A mezzotinto portrait of Hogarth with his hat on, in a large oval, "from an original begun by Wheltdon, and finished by himself, late in the possession of the Rev. Mr. Townley. Charles Townley fec." The family of Hogarth affect to know nothing of this painting; and say, if there is such a thing, it was only slightly touched over by him. It must be confessed that it bears little, if any, resemblance to the representations of our artist edited by himself. The original is now in the possession of Mr. James Townley, as has been mentioned in p. [98].