[3] London Daily Post, November 24, 1740. "Shortly will be published, a new print called The Provoked Musician, designed and engraved by Mr William Hogarth; being a companion to a print representing a Distressed Poet, published some time since. To which will be added, a Third on Painting, which will compleat the set; but as this subject may turn upon an affair depending between the right honourable the L—d M—-r and the author, it may be retarded for some time."
Query to what affair does Hogarth allude? Humphrey Parsons was then Lord Mayor.
[4] In the collection of Mr. Crickitt.
1742.
1. Martin Folks, Esq. half length. W. Hogarth pinxit & sculpsit. An engraving. To some impressions of this print, which are not proofs, the name of Hogarth is wanting.
2. The same, half length mezzotinto. W. Hogarth pinx. 1741; J. Faber fecit. 1742. The original of both is now in the meeting-room of the Royal Society, in Somerset Place.
3. Charmers of the Age.[1] "A sketch. No name." It was intended to ridicule Mons. Desnoyer[2] and Signora Barberini, the two best dancers that ever appeared in London. This plate exhibits the internal prospect of a theatre. The openings between the side scenes are crowded with applauding spectators. The two performers are capering very high. A sun over head (I suppose the emblem of public favour) is darting down its rays upon them. The representatives of Tragedy and Comedy are candle-holders on the occasion. Underneath is the following inscription: "The prick'd lines show the rising height." There are also a few letters of direction, so situated as to convey no very decent innuendo. The whole is but a hasty outline, executed, however, with spirit, and bitten uncommonly deep by the aqua fortis. I ascribe it to Hogarth without hesitation. Of this print there is a copy by Livesay.
All the three pieces of our artist that satirize the stage, &c. are peculiarly scarce. We may suppose them, therefore, to have been suppressed by the influence of the managers for the time being, who were not, like our present ones, become callous through the incessant attacks of diurnal criticks in the news-papers.