William Hogarth, English, 1697-1764
Title: The Election, Plate 3: 'The Polling'
Date: 1755-1758
Medium: Etching on paper
Dimensions:
Plate: 43.5 x 55.8 cm
Credit Line: Purchased, 2013
Object Number: NGI.2013.2.3
DescriptionThis is Hogarth's last moral print series, based on a set of paintings now in the Sir John Soane Museum, London. The ‘Election’ series was inspired by the riotous election of 1754 in which a Whig candidate, the Duke of Marlborough, challenged the Tories in their established stronghold in Oxfordshire. The prints were not intended as reportage but aimed to present a generalized picture of a violent, chaotic election. They were aimed at the well-to-do classes, to expose the cynicism of the aristocracy towards electoral politics. The prints show politicians using slogans, flattery, bribery and food and drink to exploit the electorate in order to further their own political ambitions. The politicians chivvy the most vulnerable sections of society - the poor, victims of alcoholism and those who are mentally or physically disabled, to vote for them and in doing so incite violence and anarchy.
Inscriptionupper centre: THE POLLING. Plate III /
Enngrav’d by W. Hogarth & Le Cave / Published 20 Feb.ry 1758 As the Act directs / To the Hon.ble S.r Edward Walpole Knight of the Bath This Plate is most humbly Inscrib’d By his most Obedient humble servant / Wm. Hogarth
Enngrav’d by W. Hogarth & Le Cave / Published 20 Feb.ry 1758 As the Act directs / To the Hon.ble S.r Edward Walpole Knight of the Bath This Plate is most humbly Inscrib’d By his most Obedient humble servant / Wm. Hogarth