The Foundling Museum, London
This good-naturedly satirical scene takes place in 1745, soon after Britain had been invaded by Jacobite troops loyal to ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’, the son of the Stuart Pretender to the English/British throne. Hogarth’s painting focuses on a group of guardsmen brought to London to help defend the city from attack. These soldiers are pictured as they gather together at Tottenham Court Turnpike, north of the capital. They have obviously been indulging in a heavy night’s drinking, fighting and whoring. Hogarth seems to suggest that, however riotous their current behaviour, these soldiers will ultimately fall into patriotic line: a well-drilled fighting unit can be seen marching in perfect formation in the distance, complete with resplendent uniforms, readied weapons and the Union Jack flag.
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