"The very self same,—how boldly they strike!
And I can't forbear thinking they're somewhat alike.
Oh fie! to a dog would you Hogarth compare?
Not so,—I say only, they're like as it were;
A respectable pair, all spectators allow,
And that they deserve a description below,
In capital letters, BEHOLD WE ARE TWO."
Those who are personally acquainted with Hogarth deem this print a strong likeness: the picture is remarkably well painted, better than any I have seen from his pencil, except the head of Captain Coram, now in the Foundling Hospital. To that charity Hogarth and several contemporary painters presented some of their performances. The attention they obtained from the public induced the members of an academy in St. Martin's Lane to attempt an extension of the plan. With this view, a letter was printed, and sent to the different artists. As it was the cornerstone of that stupendous structure, now become a Royal Academy, I have inserted a copy, with which I was favoured by the gentleman to whom it is addressed.
"TO MR. PAUL SANDBY.
Academy of Painting, Sculpture, etc.,
St. Martin's Lane, Tuesday, October the 23d, 1753.