William Hogarth was initially a commercial engraver then in 1724 he began studies in painting at the St. Martin's Lane Academy. Though most of his work critiqued society through moral progresses, he helped develop the beginnings of political and social comical satire in England which would then become necessary elements in caricature. Unlike many other engravers, Hogarth published and sold his own engravings successfully, thus his subjects were not controlled by a publisher as was common at the time.
Hogarth, like most other British peoples, despised the French and believed them to be the worst group. He would not live to see any great British defeat in war, thus national pride drove his Franco-phobic work to even better success.
Hogarth, like most other British peoples, despised the French and believed them to be the worst group. He would not live to see any great British defeat in war, thus national pride drove his Franco-phobic work to even better success.