Trade card for James Figg

The Trade card for James Figg by William Hogarth is a significant etching produced in the late 18th century (1790-1799), though the design itself dates to an earlier period in the artist’s career. Classified as a historical print, this work emphasizes Hogarth’s crucial role in developing commercial illustration and advertising ephemera in Britain. The piece functioned specifically as a trade card, a form of promotional material that combined informative text with an illustrative design to advertise the business of James Figg, the famed English master of arms.

Figg, recognized as one of the period's greatest athletes and a pioneer of modern prizefighting, is represented here as a commanding figure who embodies strength and skill. The design prominently features various implements of combat, including swords, shields, and cudgels, reflecting the diverse training offered at Figg’s London academy, which specialized in fencing, boxing, and staff fighting. This etching provides valuable insight into the popular culture of Georgian London, documenting the rise of professional athletic men and organized sporting spectacles.

Hogarth’s composition successfully balances the need for functional advertisement with dramatic visual appeal, a characteristic found even in his minor commercial works. The continued widespread interest in Hogarth’s legacy ensures that prints derived from his work, often in the public domain, remain highly valued as historical documents and artistic achievements. This important piece is currently held within the expansive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.