All the off tracts from the faces in the original picture of the March to Finchley, in red chalk on oiled paper, are still preserved.
This representation may be said to contain three portraits, all of which were acknowledged by the artist: a noted French pye-man; one of the young fifers then recently introduced into the army by the Duke of Cumberland; and a chimney-sweeper with an aspect peculiarly roguish. The two latter were hired by Hogarth, who gave each of them half a crown, for his patience in sitting while his likeness was taken. Among the portraits in the March to Finchley (says a correspondent) that of Jacob Henriques may also be discovered. I wish it had been pointed out.
With this plate (of which the very few proofs in aqua-fortis, as well as the finished ones, are highly valuable) no unfair stratagems have been practised, that a number of the various impressions, taken off at different times, might be mistaken for the earliest. On copper nothing is more easy than to cover, alter, efface, or re-engrave an inscription, as often as temporary convenience may require a change in it.[5] Witness, the several copies of The Lottery, three of which exhibit the names of three different publishers: the fourth has none at all.
The possessors of this March to Finchley need not vehemently lament their want of the original. The spirit of it is most faithfully transfused on the copper. As to the colouring, it will hardly delight such eyes are are accustomed to the pictures of Steen or Teniers. To me the painting of the March to Finchley appears hard and heavy, and has much the air of a coloured print.
I should not, on this occasion, omit to add, that Mr. Strange, in his Inquiry into the Rise and Establishment of the Royal Academy of Arts in London, observes, that "the donations in painting which several artists presented to The Foundling Hospital," first led to the idea of those Exhibitions which are at present so lucrative to our Royal Academy, and so entertaining to the publick. Hogarth must certainly be considered as a chief among these benefactors.
[1] General Advertiser, April 14, 1750. Mr Hogarth is publishing, by subscription, a print representing the march to Finchley in the year 1746, engraved on a copper-plate, 22 inches by 17. The price 7 s. 6 d.
Subscriptions are taken in at The Golden Head in Leicester-Fields, till the 30th of this instant, and not longer, to the end that the engraving may not be retarded.
Note. Each print will be half a Guinea after the Subscription is over.
In the Subscription-book, are the particulars of a proposal whereby each subscriber of three shillings, over and above the said seven shillings and sixpence for the print, will, in consideration thereof, be entitled to a chance of having the original picture, which shall be delivered to the winning subscriber as soon as the engraving is finished.
General Advertiser, May 1, 1750.