by Nikolaus Pevsner
2-Hogarth and Observed Life
Hogarth declared himself a ' Britophil' and regarded foreigners as interlopers.' His work illustrates, in Dr. Pevsner's view, several of the strongest and most enduring of English characteristics. He was intent upon the vivid reporting of what the eye had seen, and with it, to preach a sermon.
The English interest in narrative, fact, and detail is contrasted with the Continental ' grand manner,' whether expressed in allegory or large religious pictures. This interest has persisted certainly since the Early Middle Ages, when English artists working in wood, stone, and embroidery produced work of a kind and quality not found elsewhere.
Reynolds and Detachment: Jan. 21