Hogarth, William (1697 London 1764). The Politician. The politician reading the newspaper with the candle held near to his eyes for better light while not becoming aware of how it burns his hat. Engraving by Thomas Cook (c. 1744 – London 1818). Inscribed: Hogarth pinxt. / T. Cook sculpt. / Published by Longman, Hurst, Rees, & Orme, July 1^st. 1809., otherwise as before. Image size 17.8 x 14.3 cm.

Cook’s smaller version. – Trimmed within the wide white platemark. – Barely perceptible slight fold in the lower image/platemark.

Published posthumously only the drawing alludes to the circumstances about 1730. The politician – by the way the then known lace dealer Tibson – looking fascinatedly at the continental events reported on in the newspaper while disregarding his own nearest problems indicated by his burning hat.
Offer no. 9,004 / EUR  189. (c. US$ 304.) + shipping

“ Thanks for shipping the print. It has arrived here in excellent shape. Happy holidays ”

(Mr. H. A. P., December 12, 2001)