John Wilkes, Esq.
Artist
William Hogarth
(British, 1697-1764)
CultureEnglish
Date1763
MediumEtching drawn and etched in aquafortis.
InscribedThe Inscription below image, in the plate, reads: "Drawn from the Life and Etch'd in Aquafortis by Will.m Hogarth. Pirce 1 Shilling. Publish'd according to Act of Parliament May ye 16. 1763"
Credit LineMuseum collection
Object number0.295
Not on view
DescriptionA portrait of John Wilkes (17th October 1725 - 26th December 1797), the English radical, politician, and libertine. Despite being a friend of Hogarth's, the two were frequently in disagreement. In this portrait, he is depicted full length, sitting on a high-backed chair. He rests the Staff of Maintenance, topped with a freedman's cap emblazoned with the word 'Liberty,' on his right shoulder. His face is set in a sinister leer, and his periwig has been positioned deliberately to suggest satanic horns.
Unknown
Late Dynasty 5-early Dynasty 6, reigns of Unas or Pepy I, 2375-2287 B.C.E.
