A Rake's Progress, Plate 6

A Rake's Progress, Plate 6 by William Hogarth, dating from 1735, is a masterful example of 18th-century graphic satire and moral narrative. Hogarth executed this influential print using the combined techniques of etching and engraving, resulting in rich contrasts and precise line work. This impression represents the second state of three, documenting the artist's revisions during the plate's production before commercial release. The work is the sixth installment in the artist’s seminal eight-part series chronicling the moral decline and ultimate financial ruin of the fictional protagonist, Tom Rakewell.

The scene captures a chaotic, dimly lit interior, illustrating the depth of Rakewell's dissipation. The print is crowded with figures, featuring various men engrossed in high-stakes gambling at a notoriously disreputable gaming house. Rakewell is shown in a state of desperation, having lost the last of his fortune. Hogarth masterfully integrates the subject tags into the composition: the dynamic grouping of the men suggests imminent conflict, while a young boy, likely an assistant to the establishment, observes the drama unfolding. Even the dogs in the foreground contribute to the sense of squalor and chaos pervading the room. This piece functions as sharp social commentary on London's vice and the reckless spending habits among the Georgian-era upper classes.

As one of the most famous narrative prints of the period, this work remains crucial for understanding Hogarth's legacy as a visual moralist. The complete series was widely circulated through commercial prints, securing the artist's financial success and enduring influence on visual storytelling. Today, this impression is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, preserving its cultural significance. Because the piece is now in the public domain, high-quality images and references to these impactful etchings and engravings are readily available for study worldwide.