Martin Folkes 1742

This is William Hogarth's engraving of Martin Folkes. Here, we witness the visual language of 18th-century British society, where identity was meticulously constructed and performed through dress, pose, and accoutrements. Folkes, a prominent figure in the Royal Society, is depicted with the markers of status: the elaborate wig, refined clothing, and a backdrop that hints at intellectual pursuits. Hogarth, known for his satirical eye, both celebrates and subtly critiques the elite circles of his time. It is interesting to consider the gaze within this portrait – how Folkes, as a man of science and privilege, might have viewed himself, and how Hogarth, as an artist navigating the complexities of class and patronage, interpreted that self-image. We are left to wonder, what does it mean to capture an individual, when that individual is so consciously performing a role? In the end, the print is more than a likeness; it's a reflection of the societal values and the artist's own commentary on those values.