Thomas Cook after William Hogarth.

March to Finchley.

21 x 17

This is one of Hogarth's most famous stand-alone images that gives a satirical twist to an important historical event. The year is 1745 and the setting is the second Jacobite rebellion. The British troops have been galvanised to repel the threat of invasion from Bonnie Prince Charles north of the border. They have got as far as Finchley, just north of London, and far from being a tight knit fighting force they are depicted as a disorganized rabble, easily distracted by wine, women and song. To the right of the picture is a brothel with ladies hanging out of every window whilst to the left there hangs a pub sign depicting Adam and Eve during the crucial "temptation scene". These soldiers need little by way of temptation to down their bayonets in exchange for a pint of ale and a comely bosom.

Thomas Cook (1744-1818) was an accomplished line engraver of caricatures and portraits after his contemporaries and an excellent choice when it came to finding someone capable of reproducing Hogarth's original engravings. The complete set of prints that he produced after Hogarth's much acclaimed satirical work have a merit all of their own and lose none of the wit and detail of the original plates. He studied under the French engraver Ravenet and was employed by John Boydell, both of whom had worked closely with Hogarth during his lifetime and both of whom would have guided him through this Herculean task.