A Harlot's Progress, Plate 5

A Harlot's Progress, Plate 5 by William Hogarth, created in 1732, is a profound example of the artist's sequential narrative prints. Executed using the meticulous technique of etching and engraving, this work is the penultimate scene in Hogarth’s groundbreaking moral series documenting the tragic downfall of his protagonist, Moll Hackabout. This satirical cycle established Hogarth as a preeminent commentator on 18th-century London society and social inequity.

Plate five takes place in a dismal Interior, emphasizing the final, desperate stage of Moll’s life. Surrounded by a chaotic assembly of figures, the scene focuses on the protagonist's impending Death from venereal disease. Hogarth fills the composition with various types of Men and Women, ranging from bickering nurses attempting to steal her possessions, to a quack doctor and two religious figures debating nearby. The presence of her young Son (Boys) adds an element of pathos, juxtaposing innocence against the grim reality of the setting. Hogarth uses sharp visual detail to emphasize the squalor and the moral decay of those around the dying woman, offering a powerful critique of contemporary neglect.

This particular impression, classified as the third state of three, showcases Hogarth’s mastery of the engraver’s tools, using varied line weight to create dramatic shading and atmosphere. As one of the earliest great works of socially critical art, the series remains highly influential, reflecting the artist’s commitment to moral commentary. This historically significant print is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its cultural status, the image is frequently studied and replicated, ensuring the continued public access of these influential historical prints.