Subject

Satirical artist and illustrator. Trained as an engraver, he depicted the unseemly behaviour of contemporaries in works like the 'Beggar's Opera' (1728) and the 'A Rake's Progress' (1732). Much of his work was pirated and he was instrumental in the passing of the Copyright Act of 1735 which was known at the time as 'Hogarth's Act'.  A governor of the Foundling Hospital.  Born in Bartholomew Close, Smithfield, he lived in 'Leicester Fields' from 1726 until his death.  He was buried in Chiswick Parish at St. Nicholas, London, W4.