A Rake's Progress: pl.3

A Rake's Progress: pl.3 by William Hogarth is a pivotal work in the artist's famous narrative series, executed in 1735. This intricate image, classified as a print, was created using the combined techniques of etching and engraving. Hogarth’s mastery of robust metal plate printing methods ensured the rapid dissemination of these moralizing tales to a wide audience, establishing him as a crucial figure in 18th-century British visual culture. The series chronicles the decline of the fictional heir, Tom Rakewell, whose initial fortune is systematically squandered through vice and idleness.

Dating specifically to the period of 1726 to 1750, this piece offers a biting commentary on the hypocrisies of Georgian society. Plate 3, positioned mid-series, documents Rakewell’s desperate attempt to retrieve his lost wealth by entering into a mercenary marriage. Hogarth depicts the ceremony in a setting rife with cynicism, contrasting the impoverished rake with his elderly, wealthy bride. The satirical treatment of the scene—often featuring a clandestine, poorly attended service—exposes the transactional nature of high-society unions and serves as a powerful cautionary tale against moral profligacy.

This work exemplifies Hogarth’s unparalleled ability to blend sharp humor and high drama, cementing his legacy as a master of sequential imagery. The visual density and narrative clarity achieved in his prints were revolutionary for the time. The enduring popularity of the series, including A Rake's Progress, has led to the wide reproduction of these influential images, many of which are now considered within the public domain. This specific impression is held within the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a key example of historical British prints and narrative art.