A Harlot's Progress, Plate 1

A Harlot's Progress, Plate 1 was created by William Hogarth in 1732, marking the dramatic beginning of his revolutionary narrative series. This significant print is executed using etching and engraving techniques, showcasing the artist’s mastery of the medium to convey intricate detail and layered characterization. Hogarth utilized this sequential format to create powerful moralizing satire for a broad audience, reflecting the social anxieties and rapid urbanization of 18th-century London. The plate captures the vulnerable moment when the protagonist, Moll Hackabout, arrives by coach in the city, immediately falling prey to exploitation.

The scene unfolds against a backdrop of detailed London buildings, specifically the Bell Inn at Cheapside, where Moll’s innocence is immediately contrasted with the corrupt individuals surrounding her. Various figures, including predatory men and established women of ill-repute, observe the newly arrived woman, illustrating the systemic danger she faces. A coach and horses stand prominent in the foreground, symbolizing the rapid transit and moral instability of the metropolis that will consume her. Hogarth’s sophisticated use of visual cues and dramatic satire in this initial composition sets the tone for the entire six-plate series, condemning the rampant moral corruption and the forces that drive individuals into prostitution.

This impression, noted as the first state of four, demonstrates the meticulous process Hogarth employed in creating his widely popular prints. As a cornerstone of the artist’s oeuvre, A Harlot's Progress solidified Hogarth’s reputation as the foremost social and moral commentator of his time. This influential etching and engraving is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, preserving a vital example of 18th-century British printmaking history for the public domain.