A copy after Hogarth's The search night: a couple interrupted in flagrante by the night watch, she lying on the ground at right with dishevelled clothing, he held back on the left, with his breeches undone; a censorious old woman on the far left; a watchman on the right holding up a lantern, illuminating the pillory behind
Description:
Title etched below image., Publisher based on address., Design is a questionable attribution to Hogarth, but Paulson is inclined to accept as an early work by Hogarth. See Paulson, R. Hogarth's graphic works (3rd ed.), no. 245., 1766 date from Nichols, Genuine works, vol.2, p. 239, according to Lewis Walpole local card catalogue record., Trimmed sheet., and On page 200 in volume 2.
"Portrait of Ninon de L'Enclos, half-length, three-quarter to right, looking towards the viewer, with pearl necklace, low-necked gown with bejewelled brooches, strap over her right shoulder; in oval frame with ribbons, curtain, flowers, unlettered cartouche below; working proof"--British Museum online catalogue
Description:
Title and artist from the British Museum online catalogue, registration no.: 1838,1215.58., Lettering on published state: Ninon de Lenclos from an original picture given by herself to the Countess of Sandwich and by the present Earl of Sandwich to Mr. Walpole 1757., Place of publication based on location of printmaker., Sheet trimmed to plate mark., and In paper frame: 35.5 x 25.0 cm. Annotation in ms. in various hands on verso of etching. Dealer's catalogue description affixed to front.
