"The prints were engraved with the hope of, in some degree, correcting that barbarous treatment of animals, the very sight of which renders the streets of our metropolis so distressing to every feeling mind. If they have had this effect, and check the progress of cruelty, I am more proud of having been the author than I should be of having painted Raphael's Cartoons.
"The French, among their other mistakes respecting our tragedies, etc., assert that such scenes could not be represented except by a barbarous people. Whatever may be our national character, I trust that our national conduct will be an unanswerable refutation."[131]
4. Paul before Felix; "designed and scratched in the true Dutch taste by Wm. Hogarth." Under the second impression, "designed and etched in the ridiculous manner of Rembrandt by Wm. Hogarth." The drowsy angel was (I have been told) intended as a portrait of Luke Sullivan. The advocate is said to be designed for Dr. King. See Worlidge's View of Lord Westmoreland's Installation.
Second state—A little devil sawing off the leg of the apostle's stool.
This very whimsical print was originally given as a receipt to the Pharaoh's Daughter and the serious Paul before Felix, and sealed with a palette and pencils, engraven on a small ring which Hogarth usually wore, and which Mrs. Lewis has since presented to me. The early proofs are usually stained with bister. Hogarth always gave the print to such of his friends as wished for it; but finding demands too frequent, cut the engraved receipt from the copper, and sold it at 5s. From this print in its first state he took a few reverses.
1752.
1. Paul before Felix.
"And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled."
"Engraved by Wm. Hogarth, from his original painting in Lincoln's-Inn Hall, and published as the Act directs, Feb. 5, 1752."