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
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artist:Sir William Fettes DouglasScottish (1822 - 1891)
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title:Hudibras and Ralph Visiting the Astrologer (from Butler's 'Hudibras')
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date created:Dated 1856
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materials:Oil on canvas
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measurements:64.80 x 105.50 cm; Framed: 99.70 x 141.30 x 12.90 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Bequest of Dr John Kirkhope 1920
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accession number:NG 1479
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gallery:
Sir William Fettes Douglas
Sir William Fettes Douglas
A self-taught painter, William Fettes Douglas worked as a bank clerk in Edinburgh for ten years. He was a keen antiquarian and collector, and his interests in those fields influenced his choice of subject matter which sometimes included alchemy, astrology and magic. Enormously learned, he was...
