We need to hear the...
Illustration
We need to hear the truth, even if it comes to us unvarnished. One who was fearless at telling the truth in his art was the British painter, William Hogarth. His pieces became popular because they satirized contemporary society, ridiculing both the debauchery of the upper classes and the brutality of the lower.
Hogarth was once commissioned to paint the portrait of an exceptionally ugly nobleman. As was his custom, he depicted the subject with frankness and realism. When the patron saw himself on the canvas, he was incensed and refused to pay for it.
An acrimonious discussion ensued. Eventually Hogarth, needing the money, sent a letter to his client, saying that a certain showman who specialized in exhibiting wild beasts and freaks or monstrosities was interested in the portrait. Unless the artist received payment within three days, he suggested, he was planning to embellish the picture with a tail and other appendages and sell it to the showman for exhibition.
The nobleman paid up, took delivery of the painting, and burned it.
Hogarth was once commissioned to paint the portrait of an exceptionally ugly nobleman. As was his custom, he depicted the subject with frankness and realism. When the patron saw himself on the canvas, he was incensed and refused to pay for it.
An acrimonious discussion ensued. Eventually Hogarth, needing the money, sent a letter to his client, saying that a certain showman who specialized in exhibiting wild beasts and freaks or monstrosities was interested in the portrait. Unless the artist received payment within three days, he suggested, he was planning to embellish the picture with a tail and other appendages and sell it to the showman for exhibition.
The nobleman paid up, took delivery of the painting, and burned it.
