O the Roast Beef of Old England (The Gate of Calais')

O the Roast Beef of Old England (The Gate of Calais') is an oil painting on canvas made by William Hogarth in 1748.

• This painting creates depth with one point perspective, as the lines of the building lead to one vanishing point in the distance.
• The gazes of the people guide you to the focal point of this painting, which is the roast beef (as hinted by the title).
• Hogarth used major differences in lighting to emphasize the focal point. The meat (aside from the sky) is the most lit and saturated part of the painting while the beggars in the foreground face into the darkness. Therefore, there is a sense of subordination in this painting. Through this, I think Hogarth was trying to communicate a message about society and aiding the poor.
• The lower position of the beggars indicates that they are closer to the viewer, and they create a frame for the scene.