A Rake's Progress: pl.1

A Rake's Progress: pl.1 by William Hogarth, executed in 1735, serves as the opening chapter in one of the artist's most celebrated narrative sequences detailing moral decline. This work is classified as a print and was meticulously created using the demanding dual techniques of etching and engraving. Hogarth utilized etching to lay down the initial, freer lines, and then employed the rigidity and precision of engraving to achieve the deep contrasts and clean definition necessary for mass production and effective visual storytelling.

As a leading figure in British art during the critical period of 1726 to 1750, Hogarth specialized in what he termed “modern moral subjects,” functioning as a visual correlative to the contemporary novel. This piece, A Rake’s Progress: pl.1, introduces the protagonist, Tom Rakewell, who has just inherited a fortune. The scene details the chaotic immediate aftermath of the inheritance, where a frenzy of creditors, tailors, and tutors surround the hapless young man, eager to capitalize on his lack of experience and sudden wealth. Hogarth’s characteristic sharp scrutiny of social hypocrisy and avarice resonated deeply with the contemporary British audience, providing both entertainment and moral warning.

The extensive commercial success and subsequent widespread distribution of this and other narrative prints solidified Hogarth’s artistic legacy and established a new precedent for sequential visual narratives in Europe. This foundational plate from the series, displaying the technical mastery and keen social insight characteristic of the artist, resides within the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. Today, the enduring relevance of the work, coupled with its status as a historical artifact, means that high-quality prints are frequently available through public domain collections, ensuring this masterpiece of graphic satire remains accessible for study and academic interpretation.