Henry Fielding

The print Henry Fielding by William Hogarth is an etching created between 1830 and 1840, long after the death of the renowned artist in 1764. This posthumous work acts as an enduring formal portrait of the celebrated English novelist, playwright, and magistrate, Henry Fielding. Although Hogarth is often remembered for his narrative sequences and satirical social commentaries, his compositions also included powerful, detailed portraits, such as this one, which captures the intellect and gravitas of its subject.

The classification as a print confirms that this etching was produced for reproduction and dissemination, ensuring that visual depictions of significant men like Fielding reached a wide public audience across Great Britain and beyond. The work details the formal dress and composed demeanor typical of early 19th-century portraits. The skill required to execute this exacting etching technique highlights the high quality demanded of reproductive prints during this period, faithfully translating the character study inherent in the original composition.

This specific impression of Henry Fielding resides within the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The print serves as an important record of both the famous literary figure and the continued influence of Hogarth’s designs decades after his death. Due to the historical age and prominence of the piece, the composition is often made available through public domain initiatives, providing researchers and enthusiasts worldwide with access to high-quality images of this classic example of British portraiture.