A Harlot's Progress: pl.6

A Harlot's Progress: pl.6, created by William Hogarth in 1732, is a powerful example of 18th-century graphic satire executed through the meticulous processes of etching and engraving. This sixth and final plate concludes the tragic narrative of Moll Hackabout, tracing her descent from an innocent arrival in London to a premature death, presumably from venereal disease. Hogarth utilized the complex layering of etching for the initial composition combined with the precise detail of engraving to maximize the visual and narrative impact of the scene. The use of prints allowed the artist to create a sequential narrative format, known as a Progress, which proved highly influential for subsequent generations of artists.

The creation of this print falls squarely within the British artistic period spanning 1726 to 1750, a critical time when public moralizing and social commentary flourished. Hogarth served as a crucial figure in the British Enlightenment, often using his art to critique societal hypocrisy and the rampant poverty exacerbated by the burgeoning metropolitan environment. The subject matter depicts Moll’s funeral, a deliberately chaotic and dissolute affair featuring numerous characters emblematic of the depravity Hogarth associated with London life. The setting satirizes established funeral rituals, illustrating the moral ruin that Moll’s lifestyle left behind.

This medium provided accessibility; unlike expensive oil paintings, these prints were widely circulated, cementing Hogarth’s reputation as a master storyteller and social critic. As a leading example of 18th-century British social realism, the work remains highly studied today, demonstrating the artist’s commitment to moral instruction through visual drama. This significant piece of graphic art is currently held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., contributing to the institution’s comprehensive holdings of historical prints. Because of its age and cultural importance, the image is frequently reproduced and often resides within the public domain, allowing global access to this foundational narrative series.