Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Hogarth's Final Satire: The Bathos 1753 Masterpiece, Re-Published in 1800

About the Item

Title: Rare 1753 William Hogarth "The Bathos" Satirical Print - A Collector's Gem Description: Dive into the captivating world of 18th-century satire with this rare 1753 print, "The Bathos, or Manner of Sinking in Sublime Paintings," by the renowned English artist William Hogarth. Known for his sharp wit and masterful engravings, Hogarth created this piece as his final work, published just months before his death in 1764. This print, designed by Hogarth and engraved by T. Cook, is a biting commentary on the art world's obsession with grandiose, overblown themes, often at the expense of genuine creativity. The title itself mocks the idea of "sinking" in art, a clever jab at the pretentiousness of his contemporaries. What makes this print so fascinating is its rich symbolism and chaotic composition. A winged figure, representing a fallen genius, lounges amidst a surreal landscape of broken structures, scattered art supplies, and a sign reading "The World's End." The scene is filled with allegorical elements: a crumbling tower, a noose, and a burst of light symbolizing fleeting inspiration. Hogarth's use of classical references, like the conic form of beauty from Paphos, Cyprus, adds depth, while his biting inscriptions critique the art market's superficiality. This piece is a must-have for collectors of historical art, satire enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a unique conversation starter. Its intricate details and historical significance make it a standout addition to any collection, offering a window into Hogarth's genius and the cultural debates of his time. Perfect for display in a study, gallery, or vintage-inspired space, this print is a testament to Hogarth's enduring legacy as a pioneer of social commentary through art. Condition Report: The Bathos print has slight edge wear, minor foxing, and faint creases, but mostly well outside the image. Colors remain vibrant, no tears, good state for age. Frame Hogarth's 1753 "The Bathos" with archival materials, UV glass, double matting (off-white inner, taupe outer), and a dark walnut frame. Use soft neutrals or muted burgundy for mats to complement the grayscale print and preserve its antique charm.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 17.33 in (44 cm)Width: 21.66 in (55 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1800
  • Condition:
    Condition Report: The Bathos print has slight edge wear, minor foxing, and faint creases, but mostly well outside the image. Colors remain vibrant, no tears, good state for age.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-12706-171stDibs: LU3054345106732

More From This Seller

View All
Botanical Elegance: Masterpieces of Victorian Horticulture, Published in 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
The decorative original antique prints are the second volume of "Les Plantes à Feuillage Coloré", published in Paris in 1880 by J. Rothschild, editor. These images are finely detaile...
Category

Antique 1880s Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Animal Prints in Old Hand Coloring, Published in 1800
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Vierv. Dieren XXVI, Quadruped XXVI'. This animal print depicts 1. Antilope Oreas, 2.Drago Camelus, 3. Nylgau, 4. Kudu, 5. Antilope Bubalis, 6. Gnou. This en...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of Antilope in Old Hand Coloring, Published in 1800
Located in Langweer, NL
Description: Antique print titled 'Vierv. Dieren XXVII, Quadruped XXVII'. This animal print depicts 1. Antilope Redunca, 2. Antilope Oryx, 3. Antilope Scripta, 4. Antilope Cervicapra...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of Sheep in Old Hand Coloring, Published in 1800
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Vierv. Dieren XXVI, Quadruped XXVI'. Antique print titled 'Vierv. Dieren XXXII, Quadruped XXXII'. This animal print depicts 1. Ovis Ammon, 2. Ovis Polycerat...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

Exquisite 1800 Blue Wildflower Botanical Engraving – A Rare Floral Masterpiece
Located in Langweer, NL
Delicate Blue Flower Study, Plate No. 496 This engraving is from a botanical series by William Curtis, likely part of the publication "The Botanical Magazine," which was known for i...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique German Print of Macau or Macao in Asia, Published Around 1800
Located in Langweer, NL
Description: Antique print China titled 'Ansicht der Stadt Macao von der See Seite'. Miniature view of the city of Macao/Macau, China. The scene il...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Early 19th C Hand Coloured Satire Etching Macaronies Drawn After the Life Curio
Located in Lowestoft, GB
Macaronies drawn after the life, satire etching housed in a period Birds Eye maple frame circa 1800 The etching, coloured by hand, and divided into two parts. On the left is represe...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Prints

Materials

Glass, Birdseye Maple, Paper

William Hogarth - 'Before and After' 2 Plate Etchings
By James Heath / William Hogarth
Located in Alpha, NJ
'Before and After' William Hogarth Etchings
Category

Antique 19th Century English Prints

Materials

Paper

20th C. After Montague Dawson "The Thermopylae Leaving Foochow", Published 1962
By Montague Dawson
Located in Morristown, NJ
After Montague Dawson (British, 1895-1973), colour lithograph, matted and framed under non-glare glass. "The Thermopylae Leaving Foochow", published 1962 Frost & Reed Limited of Bristol & London, England. Born in Chiswick in West London in 1895, Montague Dawson was the grandson of the eminent Victorian landscape painter Henry Dawson (1811-1878). He studied under the celebrated seascape artist Charles Napier Hemy (1841–1917) at the Royal Academy and also worked in an art school in Bedford Row. Dawson joined the navy...
Category

Vintage 1960s English Sporting Art Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Set of 6 Original Antique Prints After William Hogarth, "Marriage A La Mode"
By William Hogarth
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful set of Hogarth prints This is the " Marriage A La Mode " series typical of the satirical/political artwork of Hogarth Steel engravings Published by Jones & Co., Temple ...
Category

Antique 1840s English Rococo Prints

Materials

Paper

Pair of Original Antique Prints After William Hogarth, "Military Figures", 1807
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful Hogarth prints Blackwell's Military Figures Copper-plate engravings by Thomas Cook Published by Longman, Hirst, Rees & Orme, 1807-1808 ...
Category

Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 10 Original Antique Prints After William Hogarth, " Hubidras " 1807
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful set of 10 Hogarth prints This is the Hubidras series typical of the satirical/political artwork of Hogarth Copper-plate engravings by Th...
Category

Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Prints

Materials

Paper

Recently Viewed

View All