William Hogarth
All the world is competent to judge my pictures except those who are of my profession.
I have generally found that persons who had studied painting least were the best judges of it.
I know of no such thing as genius, genius is nothing but labor and diligence.Collection: Genius
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.Collection: Player
Simplicity, without variety, is wholly insipid.Collection: Simplicity
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.Collection: Eye
Time is not a great artist but weakens all he touches.Collection: Time
Straight lines vary only in length, and therefore are least ornamental.Collection: Lines
I think it is owing to the good sense of the English that they have not painted better.Collection: Art
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.Collection: Compassion