The Analysis of Beauty

The Analysis of Beauty is a philosophical and artistic essay by William Hogarth from 1753, exploring what makes a beautiful and pleasing appearance. Hogarth argues that true beauty combines both harmony and vitality, emphasizing that irregularities or slight asymmetries can make a subject more interesting and lively, rather than dull. He suggests that beauty isn’t about perfect symmetry alone but about a dynamic balance that captures energy and character. Overall, Hogarth’s work encourages valuing naturalness and expressive qualities over rigid perfection in art and aesthetics.