This is a large 18th century antique engraving of Samuel Butler's mock-herioic narrative poem "Hudibras" by William Hogarth, consisting of "Hudibras's First Adventure" (Plate 3) and "Catechiz'd" (Plate 4).
In 1725, William Hogarth was commissioned by Philip Overton and John Cooper to engrave "twelve Historical and most Diverting Prints, taken from the celebrated Poem of Hudibras (the Don Quixot of this Nation)". These plates then passed to Robert Sayer (1725–1794), Overton's successor, with Hogarth's other early plates.
This print was published by Robert Sayer. Please note that this only includes plates 3 & 4 - other plates are available to purchase seperately.
"Hudibras's First Adventure" (Plate 3) shows Hudibras and Ralpho encountering a mob armed with sticks; in the foreground to right, a one-legged fiddler, a butcher and a dancing bear with his leader.
"Hudibras Catechiz'd" (Plate 4) shows Hudibras being beaten by masked men dressed as devils; the scene is the bedroom of the widow who stands in the doorway; to left, Ralpho hides behind a curtain.
Edition: Robert Sayer
Size: 614mm x 488mm
Condition: good - some slight discolouration and marks to margins. Tears to bottom margin including one measuring approx 85mm which extends to the print itself.