Benjamin Howdley, Bishop of Winchester, one of the most famous theologians of his time, was a friend and patron of Hogarth, the author of verse comments on his paintings. In 1701, Houdley married Sara Curti, an artist whom Hogarth might have taught.
It is believed that Sarah helped Hogarth when writing the portrait of her husband, now stored in the gallery of San Marino. As in the earlier picture, in this work Houdley is presented with his professional attributes – on his shoulder he has the cross of the Order of the Garter. In accordance with the spiritual dignity, Handley’s hand gesture is a gesture of blessing.
Related Paintings 
Retrato del obispo Houdley – William Hogarth 
Portrait de l’évêque Howley – William Hogarth 
Sarah Malcolm by William Hogarth 
Portrait of William Cavendish, Marquise of Hartington by William Hogarth 
Self-portrait with a dog by William Hogarth 
Portrait of actor Garrick and his wife by William Hogarth 
Portrait of Mary Edwards by William Hogarth 
Career Mota. Mot in Bedlam by William Hogarth
Retrato del obispo Houdley – William Hogarth Portrait de l’évêque Howley – William Hogarth Sarah Malcolm by William Hogarth Portrait of William Cavendish, Marquise of Hartington by William Hogarth Self-portrait with a dog by William Hogarth Portrait of actor Garrick and his wife by William Hogarth Portrait of Mary Edwards by William Hogarth Career Mota. Mot in Bedlam by William Hogarth