William Hogarth Quotes & Sayings

Simplicity, without variety, is wholly insipid. — William Hogarth

I know no such thing as genius, - genius is nothing but labor and diligence. — William Hogarth

I have generally found that persons who had studied painting least were the best judges of it. — William Hogarth

I think it is owing to the good sense of the English that they have not painted better. — William Hogarth

Time is not a great artist but weakens all he touches. — William Hogarth

Straight lines vary only in length, and therefore are least ornamental. — William Hogarth

I turned my thoughts to a still more novel mode ... to compose pictures on canvas similar to representations on the stage ... my picture is my stage, and men and women my players exhibited in a 'dumb' show. — William Hogarth

The serpentine line, or the line of grace, by its waving and winding at the same time different ways, leads the eye in a pleasing manner along the continuity of its variety. — William Hogarth

All the world is competent to judge my pictures except those who are of my profession. — William Hogarth

I had rather, if cruelty has been prevented by the four prints [The Four Stages of Cruelty], be maker of them than of the [Raphael] cartoons. — William Hogarth