The Five Orders of Perriwigs as They Were Worn at the Late Coronation, Measured Architectonically

William Hogarth

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of various styles of periwigs with accompanying text. The drawing showcases a collection of detailed illustrations of periwigs, organized architectonically, which were popular during a previous coronation. Each periwig is labeled with letters and presented in a stylized manner that humorously and analytically depicts them as classical architectural orders. The wigs are portrayed with elaborate curls, rolls, and textures, each with its own unique structure and cultural references. The drawing includes a detailed sectional view and measures alongside captions that provide information about the styles. The bottom section of the image shows side profiles of individuals wearing different types of wigs. There is also an 'advertisement' text section at the bottom referring humorously to the 'accurate measurements' of wigs from classical architecture sites.