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Print 1966-500
Canvassing for Votes, Plate II
Print 1966-500

Canvassing for Votes, Plate II

Date1757
Artist/Maker William Hogarth (1697 - 1764)
Artist/Maker Charles Grignion
OriginEngland, London
MediumBlack and white line engraving and etching
DimensionsOverall: 22 3/4" x 18"; plate: 21 1/2" x 17"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1966-500
DescriptionLower margin reads: "Painted by W. Hogarth, Engrav'd by G. Grignion./ Published 20.th Feb..ry 1757 As the Act directs./ To His Excellency S..r Charles Hanbury williams Embassador to the Court of RUSSIA. This Plate is most humbly Inscrib'd By his most Obedient humble Servant./ Will..m Hogarth."
Label TextThe scene is the outskirts of a village with an alehouse at left and two inns at right. Excellent signs hang above these. A farmer has come to town and is seen in the enter being offered bribes by the hosts of the opposing taverns and of course parties. Two men are sitting at a table with tankards watching this. One canidate is seen in front of one of the inns talking to his wife above. In front a young lady sits mending, and a lion, the figure- head from a man-of-war, is devouring the French lily, referring to the war with France that began in 1756, is seen in the doorway of the inns.

This particular plate appears to have been originally bound in a book. It is known that Hogarth bound things together from an early date. But the clear strong lines of this print would indicate that it is probably from one of the things Mrs. Hogarth issued after his death.
InscribedIn pencil along lower right margin: "Canvassing for Votes"
Markings"Painted by W. Hogarth Engrav'd by C. Grignion" "Published 20th Febry 1757. As the Act directs To His Excellency Sr Charles Hanbury Willaims Embassador to the Court of Russia. This Plate most humbly inscrib'd By his Most Obedient humble Servant. Willm. Hogarth."