Ian Hislop on William Hogarth’s ‘Humours of an Election’

With the UK heading to the polls in just two weeks, we invited the editor of Private Eye and ‘Have I Got News For You’ captain to tell the tale of William Hogarth’s modern moral series ‘The Humours of an Election’, which hangs in Sir John Soane’s extraordinary Picture Room. The four-part masterpiece captures the sublime and ridiculous extremes of a notoriously dodgy Oxfordshire by-election in 1754. For Ian, it’s a testament to Hogarth’s genius and his mastery of many comic elements that writers and satirists still use today! 🎨

[ashroskell]

I would love to see Ian Hislop make a whole series on historical satire as expressed through fine art, like Hogarth here, and by the cartoonists of Hogarth’s era. Perhaps he could compare British satire to that of other countries of the day and various other historical periods? He could interview Mary Beard, Melvin Bragg and the like? He’s the perfect chap for the job.

[christiner]

Ian is such a delightful chap. Loved his analysis of these clever paintings.

[NedLawrence]

Ian Hislop is completely first class….fabulously erudite and deliciously urbane.

[belbrighton]

The Soane museum is an absolute delight and to see the Hogarth Election piece in person is a fantastic experience.

[adminimer]

Ian Hislop is brilliant, I have to much respect for him. I am a firm believer he should be considered an International Treasure, as an American it feels so good to watch someone so much more rational than the talking heads in my own country. Thank you sir, you have been therapy for me on more than one occasion!

[creativeartist]

There's noone id rather have in charge of the country than this man

[kidmohair]

personal opinion only.
you cannot go wrong if you Have Mr Hislop analyze,
almost anything.

[Stephen_Lafferty]

Lovely to have Ian comment on Hogath's legendary satirical works!

[robertcook]

Dickens's description of the electoral shenanigans in 'The Pickwick Papers' is essential reading

[terenzo]

An old one-panel cartoon had Diogenes out and about in his legendary quest with lantern held aloft and now confronting the honest man for whom he'd long been searching. Having found the fellow at long last, Diogenes simply says: "I was hoping you'd be taller."

[williamrobinson]

Ian Hislop is perhaps the closest thing we have these days to Hogarth himself.. 🌟👍

[hoilst]

Love this. Small tip for your subtitles: put a black outline around the letters so they're still legible on light areas of the image.

[danh]

Politicians gambling whilst the country crashes? Bah - that could never happen these days!

[davidcossins]

Great video, but I would have loved better lighting on the paintings. Sadly, the camera did not stay long on the images referred to by Ian, so I could not follow them quickly enough. A longer presentation would have been better. I can't get enough of Ian! (Signed) Grumpy Old Man of Wantage.

[martintremethick]

The drivers playing cards and gambling. Where have I heard that recently?

[willyum]

is this from a longer programme or series? surely

[davidhull]

I lived in Chiswick for a while and would visit Hogarth’s house and his grave.

[AbAb-thqe]

This is a terrific video. Thanks. I think elections are to be celebrated in their own right. Shame about today's choices tho 😂

[creativeartist]

Why have you added subtitles when theres an option on youtube to do this??

[donaldauguston]

You bastardized the Churchill quote, but I loved exploring the paintings. Thank you for posting, DA