Hogarth’s ‘Election Series’ & Famous Radical Portraits, Political Satire: Rare Suite of 6 Riepenhausen C.1794 Copperplate Engravings

A historically significant portfolio of six political copper engravings by Ernst Ludwig Riepenhausen dating from c.1794, after the original masterpieces by William Hogarth. 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.

This collection features the complete "Election Series"—Hogarth's most sophisticated and cynical critique of British democracy—alongside two of the most iconic portraits in 18th-century art history.

The "Election" Narrative (Complete 4-Plate Set):

Based on the contentious Oxfordshire election of 1754, these four plates are a riot of detail, depicting the bribery, chaos, and absurdity of the polling process:

An Election Entertainment: A bacchanalian feast where candidates court the "mob" amidst broken heads and flying bricks.

Canvassing for Votes: The quintessential image of political bribery, featuring agents competing for a publican's vote outside the 'Royal Oak'.

The Polling: A biting look at the lengths parties go to for a win, featuring the sick, the dying, and the "idiot" being brought to the booths.

Chairing the Members: The chaotic aftermath of victory, where the "winners" are paraded through a street-fight.

The Portraits:

Simon Lord Lovat: The "Old Fox" of the Jacobite Rebellion. Captured by Hogarth shortly before Lovat became the last man in England to be executed by beheading. A must-have for collectors of Scottish and Jacobite history.

John Wilkes Esq.: The radical "Father of Free Speech." Hogarth’s legendary, devilish caricature of the man who challenged the King and the Government.

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. These engravings will frame beautifully!

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.