Name/Title

Gin Lane

Entry/Object ID

2727

Acquisition

Source (if not Accessioned)

Anthony J. Drexel Paul, Sr.

Notes

Date: c. 1970 Credit Line: Gift of Anthony J. Drexel Paul, Sr. before 1958 Means of Accession: Transfer Source: Transferred from Drexel University Library 1970; Anthony J. Drexel Paul, Sr. before 1958

Made/Created

Artist

William Hogarth

Date made

1751

Place

Country

England, United Kingdom

Continent

Europe

Dimensions

Height

29-3/4 in

Width

21 in

Dimension Notes

Framed: 29 3/4x21 in; Unframed: 15 1/2x12 1/2 in; Unframed: 39.37x31.75 cm

Height

15-1/2 in

Width

12-1/2 in

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Exhibition Label

Label

Based on the marks underneath the frame mat, the image and text were printed on this paper. The outdoor scene displays the ways in which alcohol can appropriate a community including homicide, starvation, and sloth. The verses under the image condemn spirits, specifically gin.

Label Type

Exhibition Label

Label

Gin Lane was designed by the William Hogarth. The artist was born in 1697 in London, England. Hogarth began his career as an engraver and became a painter after taking drawing classes in an art academy. He grew successful in both fields and was appointed sergeant painter to the king. He died at his London home in 1764.

Label Type

Exhibition Label

Label

Hogarth designed Gin Lane as a commentary on the gin-drinking craze in England which led to extensive drunkenness and a decline in public morals. Gin Lane was created by etching, a printmaking technique in which lines on a copper plate are incised using acid.