The Analysis of Beauty sets out Hogarth’s ideas on taste and artistic practice. The text is defensive in tone, written partly in response to criticism of Hogarth’s work, and partly anticipating criticism of the text itself. This copy, which bears the stamped arms associated with books owned by George II, was clearly acquired for the Royal Library soon after publication, suggesting that, however controversial, the book had a broad circulation. Acquired by George II Cat. 94