Simon Fraser, 12th Lord Lovat

Hogarth first sketched the Scottish Lord Lovat while he was on his way to London for trial. A notoriously treasonous politician prone to acts of espionage, Lovat was ultimately executed in 1747 for leading an attempt to overthrow the House of Hanover and restore the House of Stuart to the English throne. Sitting at a small desk where he writes his memoirs and relates his adventures to the artist, Lovat’s monumental figure dominates the composition. Hogarth distorts Lovat’s features, arching his eyebrows to portray him as the caricature of a devious traitor. This print, produced in the thousands and sold for the affordable price of one shilling, was so popular that presses could not keep up with the demand after its initial publication.