It is probable that Hogarth received the first idea for these two prints from a pair of others by Peter Breugel (commonly called Breugel d'enfer, or Hellish Breugel), which exhibit a contrast of a similar kind. The one is entitled La grasse, the other La maigre Cuisine. In the first, all the personages are well-fed and plump; in the second, they are starved and slender. The latter of them also exhibits the figures of an emaciated mother and child, sitting on a straw-mat upon the ground, whom I never saw without thinking on the female, &c. in Gin Lane.[4] In Hogarth, the fat English blacksmith is insulting the gaunt Frenchman; and in Breugel, the plump cook is kicking the lean one out of doors. Our artist was not unacquainted with the works of this master, as will appear by an observation on the [Lilliputians giving Gulliver a clyster].
On the subject of these two plates, and the four following ones, was published a stupid pamphlet, intituled, "A Dissertation on Mr. Hogarth's Six Prints lately published, viz. Gin-Lane, Beer-street, and The Four Stages of Cruelty, Containing, I. A genuine narrative of the horrible deeds perpetrated by that fiery dragon, Gin; the wretched and deplorable condition of its votaries and admirers; the dreadful havock and devaluation it has made amongst the human species; its pernicious effects on the soldiers, sailors, and mechanicks of this kingdom; and its poisonous and pestilent qualities in destroying the health, and corrupting the morals of the people. II. Useful observations on wanton and inhuman cruelty, severely satirizing the practice of the common people in sporting with the lives of animals. Being a proper key for the right apprehension of the author's meaning in those designs. Humbly inscribed to the Right Honourable Francis Cockayne, Esq; Lord Mayor of the City of London, and the worshipful Court of Aldermen, who have so worthily distinguished themselves in the measures they have taken to suppress the excessive use of spirituous liquors. London: Printed for B. Dickinson on Ludgate-Hill. 1751. Price one shilling;" and eleven pence three farthings too dear, being compiled out of Reynolds's "God's Revenge against Murder," &c.
[1] General Advertiser, February 13, 1750-51.
On Friday next will be published, price one shilling each.
Two large Prints designed and etched by Mr. Hogarth, called Beer-street and Gin-lane.
A number will be printed in a better manner for the Curious at 1 s. 6 d. each.
And on Thursday following will be published,
Four Prints on the subject of Cruelty. Price and size the same.
N. B. As the subjects of these Prints are calculated to reform some reigning vices peculiar to the lower class of people, in hopes to render them of more extensive use, the author has published them in the cheapest manner possible.
To be had at the Golden Head in Leicester Fields, where may be had all his other works.