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The Five Orders of Perriwigs as They Were Worn at the Late Coronation, Measured Architectonically, by William Hogarth, ink, 1761

The Five Orders of Perriwigs as They Were Worn at the Late Coronation, Measured Architectonically

William Hogarth

1761

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Dominant colour

Overview

The Five Orders of Perriwigs as They Were Worn at the Late Coronation, Measured Architectonically is a 1761 ink by William Hogarth, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?
William Hogarth
When & what style?
1761 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?
National Gallery of Art

About this work

The painting presents a collection of wigs, each with distinct features and styles. The wigs are arranged in a grid-like pattern, with some featuring elaborate designs and others appearing more simple. The background of the painting is a muted color, which helps to draw attention to the wigs. Upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the wigs are not just random hairstyles, but rather they are meant to represent different social classes or professions. Some of the wigs have intricate details, such as braids or curls, while others appear more plain. The painting is an allegory, using the wigs as a symbol for the social hierarchy of the time. The use of etching as a medium adds a sense of depth and texture to the painting, making it feel more dynamic and engaging. To learn more about the artist behind this work, look up Hogarth, William.

About the artist

Portrait of William Hogarth
Artist

William Hogarth

William Hogarth (; 10 November 1697 – 26 October 1764) was an English painter, engraver, satirist, cartoonist and writer.

See the richer artist page

More by William Hogarth

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