'The Strode Family', William Hogarth

Artwork details

Artist

William Hogarth (1697‑1764)

Title

The Strode Family

Date c.1738

MediumOil paint on canvas

Dimensionsframe: 1126 x 1175 x 98 mm support: 870 x 915 mm

Collection

Tate

Acquisition Bequeathed by Rev. William Finch 1880

Reference

N01153

Not on display

Display caption

Hogarth's early success as a painter was based on his exceptionally lively small-scale 'conversation pieces', or informal group portraits, which became fashionable in the 1730s. They reflected the move away from the solemn formality of the previous generation and attempted to show the sitters in easy, natural poses, in a domestic setting, engaged in everyday activities like conversation or drinking tea. The main subject here is the wealthy city magnate William Strode, seated at table with his new wife Lady Anne Cecil, his relative Col. Strode, and his tutor Dr Arthur Smyth, later Archbishop of Dublin. The paintings on the wall are reminders of their recent tour of Italy… (read more)

August 2004