The Right Reverend Father in God, Dr. Benjamin Hoadly, Lord Bishop of Winchester, Prelate of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Aet. 67. A.D. 1743

The Right Reverend Father in God, Dr. Benjamin Hoadly, Lord Bishop of Winchester, Prelate of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Aet. 67. A.D. 1743 by William Hogarth is an important example of 18th-century English portraiture in the medium of engraving. This print captures the esteemed theologian and Whig Bishop Benjamin Hoadly, shown at age 67, emphasizing his status and clerical dignity. The detailed work was executed in 1743, reflecting Hogarth’s skill not only as a painter but as a masterful printmaker capable of widely disseminating images of notable figures.

Hogarth specialized in capturing the defining characteristics of his subjects, often imbuing his portraits with psychological insight. Here, Hoadly is shown in his official regalia, likely derived from a painting by the artist's friend, John Faber Jr. The highly textural lines characteristic of the engraving process render the luxurious fabrics and formal setting with great precision. The focus on the portrait subject, a man of significant political and religious influence, places this work firmly within the tradition of English formal portraiture of the Georgian era.

As a print, this piece would have circulated widely among Hogarth’s contemporary audience, making Hoadly’s likeness accessible beyond the elite circles who commissioned oil paintings. Today, the work is part of the extensive collection of prints held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, preserving this key visual document from the mid-18th century. Being an older print now in the public domain, it remains a valuable resource for studying the visual culture and prominent men of the period.