Four Heads From the Raphael Cartoons at Hampton Court

Four Heads From the Raphael Cartoons at Hampton Court is a print created by William Hogarth in 1781. This detailed work, classified as a print and now residing in the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection, utilizes the demanding intaglio techniques of etching for line work and aquatint for rich tonal effects. The piece is executed in the second known state of two, reflecting refinements made to the plate during its production.

The subject matter focuses intensely on the detailed study of four distinct heads, extracted directly from the renowned Raphael Cartoons. These monumental New Testament tapestry designs were housed at Hampton Court and served as foundational models for classical draftsmanship throughout 18th-century England. Hogarth, though often known for his satirical commentary on academic pretensions, here engages directly with these celebrated classical works, offering precise renderings of facial expressions found on the men depicted by Raphael. This practice of isolating expressive human faces demonstrates a deep commitment to studying character and anatomical detail, skills central to Hogarth’s overall graphic output.

The technical combination of etching and aquatint allows the artist to achieve both the sharp definition necessary for anatomical detail and the subtle gradations of shadow that give depth to the faces. As a study of the Old Masters, the work provides insight into Hogarth’s complex relationship with the artistic conventions of his time. The print confirms Hogarth’s enduring interest in human subjects and the observation of nature. This notable example of Hogarth’s prints, featuring striking heads of men, is preserved by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and is today often shared through public domain initiatives, ensuring wide access to its historical and technical merits.