Thomas Cook after William Hogarth

Before [&] After

18 x 22 inches

This much loved pair are as fresh in their humour and pertinence as they were when Hogarth first painted them in the 1730s. They depict the seduction and conquest of an innocent young woman by a lascivious man about town. In the first plate the lady appears to be fending off his amorous advances but the eagle eyed will spot that her corset has already been removed in anticipation of his visit. After the frenzy of sexual congress, she implores him to linger, looking adoringly into his eyes, but he's having none of it! Suitably sated and with a bemused expression upon his face he fumbles with his fly buttons and clearly wants to leave. Cupid's rocket, an excitable dog and a shattered looking glass all add allegorical meaning to the scene.
Thomas Cook (1744-1818) was an accomplished line engraver of caricatures and portraits after his contemporaries. His most famous work is the complete set of prints he produced after Hogarth's much acclaimed satirical images. He studied under the French engraver Ravenet and was employed by John Boydell, both of whom had worked closely with Hogarth during his lifetime.