A Rake's Progress, Plate 5

A Rake's Progress, Plate 5 by William Hogarth, dating to 1735, is a masterful example of 18th-century graphic satire. Executed through the demanding processes of etching and engraving, this print belongs to the artist's celebrated eight-part series detailing the moral decline and catastrophic downfall of the wealthy heir, Tom Rakewell. As a sequence of moralizing modern moral subjects, Hogarth distributed the images widely as affordable prints, ensuring their profound social impact across contemporary London society.

This specific plate captures Rakewell’s cynical, desperate wedding, as he attempts to recoup his ruined fortunes by marrying a decrepit but wealthy old Woman inside a gloomy church interior. Hogarth populates the scene with figures illustrating avarice and despair; the groom conspicuously avoids looking at his bride, while a young Woman, likely the pregnant Sarah Young whom Rakewell had betrayed in earlier plates, attempts to disrupt the ceremony but is restrained by an older maid.

Amidst the forced Weddings, a chaotic blend of Men and Women fills the Interiors. The satire extends beyond the principal characters to include secondary figures, such as two arguing Women, and a young charity Boy who knocks over a collection plate in his distraction, symbolizing the widespread lack of piety. The inclusion of a small Dog mirroring the human tension subtly enhances the satirical atmosphere of the piece. This impression represents the third state of three, confirming its final published form. The detailed line work exemplifies Hogarth’s ability to combine sharp social commentary with precise draftsmanship. The work is held in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and because of its historical importance, reproductions of this pivotal 18th-century piece are widely available today, often found in the public domain for study and appreciation.