1757
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Dominant colour
Humours of an Election is a 1757 by William Hogarth, a Romanticism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
The painting depicts a lively scene of people gathered in a town square. In the center, a group of men are engaged in a heated discussion, while others are shown drinking and laughing. The atmosphere is one of chaos and disorder, with people of all ages and social classes mingling together. In the background, a large building dominates the scene, with a sign that reads "Humours of an Election." The painting is done in a detailed and realistic style, with intricate textures and shading that add depth and dimension to the scene. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of drama and tension, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figures. To learn more about this style of painting, look up the technique of chiaroscuro.
The engraving depicts agents from the Tory and Whig parties outside a tavern, each offering bribes to a farmer in an attempt to secure his vote. Produced in 1757, it is a print on paper based on William Hogarth’s earlier 1755 oil painting titled *Canvassing for Votes*. Originally part of a larger volume of 217 plates, the individual prints were later separated.
Read the full account in the museum source.
William Hogarth (; 10 November 1697 – 26 October 1764) was an English painter, engraver, satirist, cartoonist and writer.
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