Size:  Sheet 39 x 37.5 cm, print to platemark 33.8 x 32.3 cm

Condition: Good condition, repaired tear to top margin, some light soiling.

This print is from the last engraving which Hogarth made. It was published on 3 March 1764, less than eight months before his death. Hogarth knew that his health was failing and advertisements for the print announcing its publication stated that it was intended to 'serve as a Tail-Piece to all the Author's Engraved Works, when bound up together'.

The print is a reflection and comment on Hogarth's life and his failed ambition to create a true school of English painting.  it is full of details from Hogarth's previous works, complex both in its imagery and the engraved notes below the image.  See Paulson, Hogarth's Graphic Works, pages 185-186, and the commentary to the wonderful original drawing for the print in the Royal Collection (RCIN 913466).

This impression of the print is dated c1822, and is from one of the collections of Hogarth's works, printed from his original plates, issued after his death. Often this print does not survive as it was the last plate in a bound volume and tends to get damaged easily - here there is a bit of soiling but it is a good example.