John Wilkes Esq.

John Wilkes Esq. is a potent etching created by William Hogarth in 1763. This celebrated, and often controversial, portrait captures the British political radical and journalist, John Wilkes, during a critical moment of his career. Executed skillfully in the medium of etching, the work demonstrates Hogarth’s exceptional capacity for political satire during a time of pronounced social unrest.

Produced during the pivotal period spanning 1751 to 1775, this print reflects the turbulent state of British culture following the accession of King George III and the rise of popular political opposition. Hogarth, already internationally renowned for his narrative prints detailing moral failings, turned his sharp observational skills against the radical figures of the day. This specific piece served as a powerful visual weapon, depicting Wilkes with the notorious squint and a mocking, defiant smile that encapsulated his personality as an enemy of the establishment. The portrait was etched quickly after Wilkes was imprisoned for libel regarding his publication The North Briton, No. 45.

As a significant example of 18th-century graphic satire, this work is classified strictly as a print. Hogarth’s masterful technique in etching allowed for the rapid and widespread distribution necessary for potent political commentary. The detailed yet acidic lines emphasize the subject’s refusal to conform. This piece of British history resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. The historical importance of these original prints means high-quality reproductions are frequently made available through public domain initiatives for global research and study.