Plate Five, from A Rake's Progress

Plate Five, from A Rake's Progress by William Hogarth English, 1697-1764, is a central image in the artist’s seminal 1735 moralizing series. The piece was created using the specialized techniques of etching and engraving in black on ivory laid paper, a medium that allowed Hogarth to efficiently reproduce and distribute his biting social critiques to a wide audience in England. This work is classified as a print, reflecting the artist’s commitment to mass-produced narrative art rather than unique paintings.

A Rake's Progress chronicles the catastrophic downfall of the fictional character Tom Rakewell, whose inheritance is squandered through extravagant vice, gambling, and poor judgment. Hogarth leveraged the power of satire to expose the perceived moral decay and financial recklessness prevalent in Georgian society. The sequence of eight plates guides the viewer through Rakewell’s transformation from wealthy heir to madman imprisoned in Bedlam, serving as a cautionary tale against the dangers of excess.

The print’s narrative intensity and detailed composition exemplify Hogarth’s unique mastery of visual storytelling. By circulating these prints across 18th-century London, Hogarth solidified his reputation as one of England’s most important artists and social commentators. Today, the work is part of the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it remains a crucial example of early modern printmaking. Works from this period, including the original impressions of this series, are increasingly recognized as part of the global public domain legacy, ensuring their accessibility for research and appreciation worldwide.