Sir William Fettes Douglas

Hudibras and Ralph Visiting the Astrologer (from Butler's 'Hudibras')

About this artwork

This illustrates the satirical poem ‘Hudibras’ by Samuel Butler, which had earlier been illustrated by William Hogarth. Hudibras and his servant Ralpho - a pair of figures like Don Quixote and Sancho Panza - pay a visit to Sidrophel the astrologer. Douglas was a collector of old books and ceramics, and the subjects of his paintings provided him with an excuse for much beautiful still-life painting of ancient bindings, tapestries and other curios.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
  • title:
    Hudibras and Ralph Visiting the Astrologer (from Butler's 'Hudibras')
  • date created:
    Dated 1856
  • materials:
    Oil on canvas
  • measurements:
    64.80 x 105.50 cm; Framed: 99.70 x 141.30 x 12.90 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Bequest of Dr John Kirkhope 1920
  • accession number:
    NG 1479
  • gallery:
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Sir William Fettes Douglas

Sir William Fettes Douglas