Analysis of Beauty, Plate 2 1753

Curator: Hogarth’s “Analysis of Beauty, Plate 2” from 1753 is a piece that always sparks joy... perhaps a bit ironic given its subject matter! Editor: I see what you mean. It’s an engraving, overflowing with figures in a somewhat chaotic scene, but then neatly bordered by all these smaller, almost scientific studies. It's playful, yet very structured. How would you interpret Hogarth's intentions here? Curator: Ah, intentions! That’s the magic, isn't it? To me, Hogarth is poking fun at the rigid rules of artistic beauty popular during his time, specifically those “S” curves everyone was obsessed with, which he puts on display at the top. See all the figures twisting and turning? Even the dog! It’s almost as if he is suggesting that true beauty can’t be rigidly defined; rather it thrives in variety and motion, with a sense of humour. What do you think? Does he succeed? Editor: Absolutely! The juxtaposition of the lively party scene with those geometrical shapes and anatomical studies… it's as though he’s proving that beauty can’t be contained in a formula. Curator: Exactly! Hogarth invites us to celebrate imperfection and individuality. It’s all about finding delight in the unexpected curve or quirky character. I've always felt he championed embracing flaws and celebrated genuine spirit. Editor: This makes the piece so much more relevant today. It makes you think differently about what beauty means and where we can find it! Curator: It's about daring to find beauty outside the prescribed lines, don’t you think? Editor: Yes. Looking at it this way made me see it more dynamically. It moved from a static scene to one alive with ideas.