Arms for the Foundling Hospital

Arms for the Foundling Hospital by William Hogarth, created in 1781, is a historically significant etching documenting the institutional iconography of 18th-century London. Hogarth, renowned equally for his biting social satires and his philanthropic dedication, played a central role in the establishment and cultural prominence of the Foundling Hospital, serving as both a governor and a key artistic patron. This print serves a functional purpose, officially depicting the charity’s designated Coat of Arms.

The detailed composition presents the heraldic elements essential to the hospital’s identity. The careful execution of the etching technique highlights the intricate linework necessary for official institutional documents and records of the period. Although this print bears the late date of 1781, placing its release after the artist's death in 1764, it was likely published posthumously by Jane Hogarth, his widow, who managed his plates and continued to distribute his popular prints.

The visual record of the Coat of Arms not only underscores the institution’s authority but also acts as a primary source for understanding Georgian-era heraldry and the charitable landscape of the time. This specific impression is housed within the comprehensive prints collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a major figure in British art history, Hogarth’s widespread influence ensures that works like Arms for the Foundling Hospital remain essential objects for historical and artistic study, with many of his celebrated prints now falling into the public domain.