Hogarth: 6 Social Satires of Georgian Life—music, Science, Academia, Sport: Riepenhausen C.1794 Copperplate Engravings

An exceptional collection of six large-scale copper engravings by Ernst Ludwig Riepenhausen (1765-1840), faithfully after the original works by William Hogarth. Published circa 1794, this portfolio represents some of Hogarth’s most celebrated and biting stand-alone satires, capturing the grit, humour, and energy of 18th-century life.

Riepenhausen’s work is highly regarded for its precision and clarity, often preserving details that are lost in later, more worn English strikes. This series is held in numerous prestigious collections, including the British Museum and the Royal Collection Trust.

Unlike the narrative "Progress" series presented in a separate listing, this portfolio features several of Hogarth's most famous single plates:

The Gate of Calais (The Roast Beef of Old England): One of Britain’s most famous patriotic satires, depicting a massive rib of English beef arriving in France to the envy of starving French soldiers.

The Enraged Musician: A masterpiece of visual noise; a violinist loses his mind as the cacophony of London’s street life erupts beneath his window.

The Cockpit (Pit Ticket): A dark, frenetic look at the 18th-century gambling underworld, showing lords and beggars side-by-side in a shared frenzy.

Scholars at a Lecture: A witty critique of academic pomposity, showing a room of bored and eccentric students.

A Chorus of Singers & Columbus Breaking the Egg: Two charming, smaller-scale satires focusing on music and the simplicity of genius.

In good antique condition, the paper shows minor age-related foxing and humidity spotting, primarily confined to the margins. The central engraved images are remarkably crisp and dark, maintaining their strong decorative impact. Original blank interleaves remain between each plate, ensuring the reverse of the engravings is clean and free from ink transfer or soiling.

Nous parlons français, und wir sprechen auch Deutsch! Paintings may be viewed in Norwich and in Paris, as well as in London and Cambridge by appointment. Please contact us if you would like further details and images of an artwork.