AFTER WILLIAM HOGARTH (1697-1764)
The Cockpit
published 5 Nov 1759RCIN 811986
A print of a cockfight with, at the centre of the crowd, Lord Albemarle Bertie (d.1765). The scene takes place in the Royal Cockpit in Birdcage Walk, St James's Park, where Hogarth depicts a chaotic crowd gathered to watch a fight between two birds. The shadow of a debtor suspended in a basket above is cast across the pit. At bottom centre is a 'pit ticket' which would have granted admission to the fight. The print is lettered at bottom left: 'Design'd and Engrav'd by Willm Hogarth', and at bottom right 'Published according to Act of Parliament Nov 5th 1759'