Note 36 — HOGARTH.

Lord Gardenston, one of the lords of session in Scotland, on delivering his opinion in the court of session upon the question of literary property, in the cause of Hinton and Donaldson and others, all booksellers, in July 1773 thus introduced the works of Hogarth: "There is nothing can be more similar than the work of engraving is to literary composition. I will illustrate this proposition by the works of Mr Hogarth, who, in my humble opinion, is the only true original artist which this age has produced in England. There is hardly any character of an excellent author, which is not justly applicable to his works. What composition, what variety, what sentiment, what fancy, invention, and humour, we discover in all his performances! In every one of them an entertaining history, a natural description of characters, and an excellent moral. I can read his works over and over, Horace's characteristic of excellency in writing, decies repetita placebit; and every time I peruse them, I discover new beauties, and feel fresh entertainment: can I say more in commendation of the literary compositions of a Butler or a Swift? There is great authority for this parallel; the legislature has considered the works of authors and engravers in the same light; they have granted the same protection to both; and it is remarkable, that the act of parliament for the protection of those who invent new engravings, or prints, is almost in the same words with the act for the protection and encouragement of literary compositions." This is taken from a 4to pamphlet, published in 1774 by James Boswell, esq. advocate, one of the counsel in the cause.