Oil picture. A circle, 21 in. in diameter.
William Hogarth was most active in helping the Foundling Hospital
during its early period. In the charter of incorporation he appears as
a “Governor and Guardian.” Immediately afterwards, in 1740, he gave
one of his masterpieces, the portrait of Captain Coram, founder, and
within a few years the “March to Finchley,” and other pictures. In
1746 various painters were induced through his influence to present
examples of their work; among them were F. Hayman, S. Scott, R. Wilson,
and T. Gainsborough, and all were elected Governors excepting the
last-named, then a mere lad, who, after some years’ work in London,
had lately returned to Norfolk. As time went on further help of
this kind was forthcoming, crowds flocked to see the paintings, and
the success of such informal exhibitions prepared the way for the
foundation of the Royal Academy.
The building here shown was designed by Theodore Jacobsen, who came
of a family long connected with the Steelyard, and whose portrait
was painted by Hudson.
The site of the Hospital had been part of Lamb’s Conduit Fields. Over
the wall, to spectator’s left, is the burial ground of the parish of
St. George the Martyr, now a public garden.
By R. WILSON, R.A., 1746 (1714-1782).
_Lent by the Foundling Hospital._