William Hogarth
, English, 1697-1764
Title
The Invasion, Plate 2: 'Britain'MediumEtching on paper
Dimensions
Plate: 31.8 x 38.9 cm
Credit LinePresented, 2013
Object numberNGI.2013.1.2
DescriptionThe two ‘Invasion’ prints were published by Hogarth in March 1756, at the beginning of the Seven Years War, when it was rumoured that France might invade England. They were intended as propaganda posters "proper to be stuck up in Publick Places" as the original advertisement suggested. Compared with the ‘Election’ print series, they are quite crudely drawn and more roughly printed. Their function was to boost public morale by caricaturing the enemy and glorifying England. David Garrick wrote the verse printed underneath each image.Inscriptionupper centre: Design'd & Etch'd by Wm. Hogarth / ENGLAND PLATE 2.d / Publish'd according to Act of Parliament March 8th. 1756’
lower centre: [12 lines of verse beginning] See John the Soldier, Jack the Tar ...