The idea, however, is all that can merit praise in these rough outlines by Hogarth. Some graver critics, indeed, may think our artist has treated the most solemn of all events with too great a degree of levity.
9. Nine prints of Hogarth's Tour from drawings by Hogarth, &c. accompanied with nine pages of letter press. The frontispiece of this work (Mr. Somebody) was designed by Hogarth, as emblematical of their journey, viz. that it was a short Tour by land and water, backwards and forwards, without head or tail. The 9th is the tail-piece (Mr. Nobody) of the same whimsical nature with the first; the whole being intended as a burlesque on historical writers recording a series of insignificant events intirely uninteresting to the reader. "Some few copies of the Tour," says Mr. Walpole,[1] "were printed by Mr. Nichols in the preceding year. It was a party of pleasure down the river into Kent, undertaken by Mr. Hogarth, Mr. Scott, and three of their friends, in which they intended to have more humour than they accomplished, as is commonly the case in such meditated attempts. The Tour was described in verse by one of the company, and the drawings executed by the painters, but with little merit, except the views taken by Mr. Scott."
I have transcribed this paragraph lest the readers of the truly valuable work whence it is taken should imagine the Tour printed by J. N. in 1781, was the same with that published by Mr. Livesay in 1782. The former was the production of the ingenious Mr. Gostling of Canterbury; the latter was written by one of the company, and, with the omission of a single glaring indelicacy, and many false spellings, has been faithfully edited by Mr. Livesay.
[1] Vol. IV. 8vo. p. 192.
10. Hogarth's Crest, exhibiting the Line of Beauty. Cyprus and Variety subjoined by way of mottoes; but my readers will anticipate me when I observe that the universe contains no place in which Hogarth had so little interest as in the Cyprian isle, where Venus was attended by the Graces. Hogarth's original sketch, which he delivered to Mr. Catton the coach-painter for the purpose of having it transferred on his carriage, is now in the possession of Mr. Livesay.
11. The card of invitation mentioned in p. [63]. is introduced in the [title-page] of the present publication. It is engraved by J. Cary, a young artist, whose abilities, more particularly in the line of map-engraving, will soon raise him into notice.
12. An Old Man's Head with a band. In the dotted stile. Published by Livesay.
1785.
1. Orator Henley Christening a Child. Etched by Saml Ireland from an original sketch in oil—in his possession—by Hogarth.—To Francis Grose, Esq; F. A. S. an encourager and promoter of the arts, this etching, from his favourite Hogarth, is inscribed by his obliged friend and servant, Saml Ireland.