Description:

William Hogarth 1751 Print "Gin Lane", 1820s Edition

A satirical print by notable English engraver William Hogarth (1697-1764) entitled "Gin Lane", originally published on February 1, 1751. Measuring 18.5" x 24.25" (image 12" x 14"), ca. 1820, London, England. This later edition was likely produced by London-based publishers Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy using Hogarth's original plates, restored by engraver James Heath (1757-1834). Scattered foxing to outside margins, with edge toning and darkened markings throughout; expected surface creasing present. Otherwise, very good- an evocative image.

Originally issued as part of a series in support of the Gin Act of 1751, "Gin Lane" depicts a scene of communal debauchery and death as citizens of a London parish succumb to addiction to the foreign spirit. In contrast "Beer Street", the series' other print, shows a more jovial and leisurely gathering. Hogarth draws our attention to the woman in the foreground who lets her baby fall to its death, hypothesized to be a reference to the real-life Judith Dufour, who murdered her daughter and sold her clothes to buy gin.

Verses along bottom margin, originally composed by Rev. James Townley (1714-1778), read in full:

Gin, cursed Fiend, with Fury fraught,
Makes human Race a Prey.
It enters by a deadly Draught
And steals our Life away./

Virtue and Truth, driv'n to Despair
Its Rage compells to fly,
But cherishes with hellish Care
Theft, Murder, Perjury./

Damned Cup! that on the Vitals preys
That liquid Fire contains,
Which Madness to the heart conveys,
And rolls it thro' the Veins.

The Gin Craze was a period in the first half of the 18th century when the consumption of gin increased rapidly in Great Britain, especially in London. Between 1729 and 1751, Parliament repeatedly tried to control its consumption and was eventually able to prohibit distillers from selling to unlicensed merchants with the Act of 1751. As a result, Hogarth's "Gin Lane" became a well-known image from the period, creating a contrast between the miserable lives of gin drinkers and the healthy and enjoyable lives of beer drinkers. Although it is commonly thought that "gin" was the singular drink, the use of the term was a blanket statement for all grain-based alcohols at the time.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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