William Hogarth, Six Don Quixote, 1756, Engraving, Framed

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An impressive and highly collectable complete set of six engravings after William Hogarth (1697–1764) illustrating episodes from Miguel de Cervantes’ … Read more An impressive and highly collectable complete set of six engravings after William Hogarth (1697–1764) illustrating episodes from Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote. The compositions were originally conceived by Hogarth during the 1720s and subsequently published as a series in 1756, during the artist’s lifetime. The series demonstrates Hogarth’s celebrated ability to combine literary narrative with expressive characterisation, humour and social observation. Cervantes’ eccentric knight and the characters surrounding him are depicted through finely worked compositions filled with theatrical gesture and carefully observed detail. The six subjects comprise The Funeral of Chrysostom & Marcella Vindicating Herself; The Innkeeper’s Wife and Daughter Taking Care of Don Quixote; Don Quixote Releases the Galley Slaves; The Unfortunate Knight of the Rock Meeting Don Quixote; Don Quixote Seizes the Barber’s Basin for Mambrino’s Helmet; and The Curator and Barber Disguise Themselves to Convey Don Quixote Home. Together, the engravings form a particularly engaging example of 18th-century British literary illustration, bringing together two towering figures of European cultural history: Cervantes and Hogarth. Each engraving is individually mounted, glazed and presented within a matching gilt frame, allowing the complete series to be displayed as a cohesive group. The prints retain clearly defined engraved detail and good tonal contrast, with light toning and occasional spotting consistent with their age. The frames display minor wear and patination, complementing the historic character of the works. A substantial decorative and collecting opportunity for admirers of William Hogarth, Georgian printmaking, literary illustration and Don Quixote. Artist William Hogarth (British, 1697–1764) Date Published 1756, after designs conceived circa 1726 Origin England Materials Engravings on paper, card mounts, glass and gilt frames Measurements – Each Framed: 46 × 40 cm / 18.1 × 15.7 in Plate: Approximately 25 × 18.4 cm / 9.8 × 7.2 in Depth: Approximately 2 cm / 0.8 in See less