William Hogarth (London, November 10, 1697-id. October 26, 1764) was a British artist, engraver, illustrator, and satirical painter. He is considered a pioneer of Western comics. His work ranges from the excellent realistic portraiture to a series of comic book-style paintings called "Modern Morals." Much of his work, which is sometimes ruthless, mocks contemporary mores and politics. He is the great master of social and political satire, in direct contact with the contemporary literature of a Henry Fielding. He is considered one of the fathers of the British art school, after several centuries of predominance of foreign artists in the country.