Artwork
Dr Benjamin Hoadly, MD
Dr Benjamin Hoadly, MD is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist William Hogarth. It dates from 1740 and is held in the collection of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
About this work
Overview
William Hogarth’s 1740 oil portrait presents Dr Benjamin Hoadly, a physician of the period, in a composition that foregrounds the sitter against a deep, shadowy backdrop. The work captures Hoadly’s likeness with a calm, direct gaze, emphasizing his professional demeanor.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Dr Hoadly with light, curly hair, dressed in a dark coat over a white shirt trimmed with ruffles. His neutral expression and straightforward stare suggest a focus on his identity as a learned practitioner rather than any narrative or allegorical content.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, the portrait reflects the Rococo taste for elegant detail and refined surface treatment. Hogarth’s handling of light creates a contrast between the illuminated figure and the surrounding darkness, while the delicate rendering of fabric and hair demonstrates his skill in portraiture.
History & Provenance
Created during a phase when Hogarth’s satirical sensibilities were influencing his broader output, the portrait was likely commissioned to commemorate Hoadly’s standing in the medical community. Its subsequent ownership history remains modest, aligning with the artist’s reputation for both public and private commissions.
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Artist & collection
Artist
William Hogarth (; 10 November 1697 – 26 October 1764) was an English painter, engraver, satirist, cartoonist and writer.
