2016.40.5
The Harlot's Progress, Plate I
Artist
William Hogarth
(Bartholomew Close, London, England, 11/10/1697 – 10/24-25/1764, London, England)
Title
The Harlot's Progress, Plate I
Creation Date
n.d.
Century
18th century
Object Type
print
Creation Place
Europe, United Kingdom
Medium and Support
engraving on paper
Credit Line
Museum Purchase, Laura T. and John H. Halford, Jr. Art Acquisition Fund
Copyright
This artwork may be under copyright. For further information, please consult the Museum’s
Copyright Terms and Conditions.
Accession Number
2016.40.5
The moralizing series The Harlot’s Progress follows the life of a young country woman who descends into a tragic life of prostitution. The major theme of this etching, the first in a series of six, is solicitation. The older woman, whose pockmarks on her face signal venereal disease, is convincing a young woman to work on the streets. An exciting and more prosperous life was an enticing prospect for those who were impoverished, but is also presented here as a trap.