John Wilkes Esq.r

Date1763

Designed and engraved by William Hogarth (1697 - 1764)

MediumEtching on laid paper

DimensionsOverall: 16 3/16 × 11in. (41.1 × 27.9cm) Other: 14 × 9 1/8in. (35.6 × 23.2cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2000-116

DescriptionLower margin reads: "John Wilkses Esq.r/ Drawn from the Life and Etch'd in Aquafortis by Will.m Hogarth,/ Publish'd according to Act of Parliament May y.e 16. 1763/ Price 1. Shilling."
Label TextJohn Wilkes was a British journalist and politician whose actions led to expanded liberties for the press in Britain. For Americans, he became a symbol of resistance against the crown. While in Parliament, he was imprisoned under a general warrant for libelous claims about politicians. General warrants allowed the government to arrest multiple people under the same warrant without naming specific offenders. Wilkes and 48 others were apprehended but soon released. The general warrants were later deemed an overreach of power and made illegal in 1763. Wilkes continued fighting to protect rights from government infringement.
ProvenanceBefore 2000, Ex. Coll: Mottahedeh Collection, Sotheby's Sale #7520, Lot 199, October 19, 2000;