The Tired Sportsman

The Tired Sportsman, attributed to the Style of William Hogarth English, 1697-1764, is a profound example of 18th-century British draftsmanship. Created sometime between 1700 and 1799, this intricate drawing utilizes a combination of graphite, pen and brown ink, and brush and gray wash, meticulously applied to ivory laid paper. The sheet itself has been carefully tipped onto a second, protective sheet of ivory laid paper, suggesting the high value placed on the composition by its original owner.

The classification as a drawing reflects the detailed execution used to define the central figure. The strategic application of the gray wash creates subtle volume and deep shadows, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of chiaroscuro typical of the period in the United Kingdom. Although the specific identity of the subject remains unknown, the title suggests a genre scene focusing on exhaustion after physical exertion, a character study aligned with the narrative interests popularized by Hogarth. This careful preparation in ink suggests that the work may have been a finished piece intended for a private collector or perhaps a preliminary study for eventual prints.

The influence of Hogarth’s distinct style of social observation is clearly present in this piece, placing it firmly within the context of Georgian-era visual culture. The 18th century was a prolific time for graphic arts in England, often blending satire with detailed realism. The Art Institute of Chicago holds this delicate artifact in its esteemed collection. Due to its historical importance and age, high-resolution images and prints of works like The Tired Sportsman are frequently made available to scholars and the public through open access and public domain initiatives.