About this artwork

Sarah Malcolm was executed in 1733 at the age of 25 for the murder of her mistress Lydia Duncomb and two fellow servants. Malcolm denied having any part in the killing but was found guilty and sentenced to hang. Hogarth sketched her in Newgate Prison in London two days before her execution on 7 March at Fleet Street. Hogarth then went on to make this painting and an engraving, that was popular due to her notoriety. This picture is said to have been bought from the artist by Horace Walpole and was in the Walpole sale at Strawberry Hill on 14 May 1842.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    William Hogarth (1697 - 1764) English
  • title:
    Sarah Malcolm (died 1733)
  • date created:
    1733
  • materials:
    Oil on canvas
  • measurements:
    48.80 x 38.70 cm; Framed: 56.20 x 46.40 x 9.00 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Bequest of Lady Jane Dundas 1897
  • accession number:
    NG 838
  • gallery:
  • depicted:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
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William Hogarth

William Hogarth