Patrick Bade
The Age of Hogarth
Summary
An in-depth appreciation of the life and work of English artist William Hogarth (1697–1764), especially through his paintings, which are full of detailed storytelling and deeper (sometimes humorous) meanings.
Patrick Bade
Patrick Bade is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. He studied at UCL and the Courtauld Institute of Art. He was a senior lecturer at Christie’s Education for many years and has worked for the Art Fund, Royal Opera House, National Gallery, and V&A. He has published on 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and historical vocal recordings. His latest book is Music Wars: 1937–1945.
I think he saw himself as a moralist and yes, I think he says… There was a very famous quote. I didn’t give it to you. “My pictures are my theatre and my men and women are my players.” So I think he really did think of it in terms of, you know, theatre and storytelling.
He doesn’t like the rich and the privileged, but on the other hand, he doesn’t like the underclass. What he likes are good, solid, ordinary English protestants. And I do think he’s a strange combination because I find it very strange, this horrible xenophobia, which I find the most unattractive well, quality. I suppose, you get it in every country, but I think, you know, in an island it tends to be worse. And yet at the same time, I think there are paintings which show great tenderness and humanity, but you know, that’s how human beings are. They’re complicated.