Plate Six, from A Rake's Progress

Plate Six, from A Rake's Progress by William Hogarth English, 1697-1764, is a powerful example of 18th-century narrative prints. Created in 1735, the work utilizes the demanding technique of etching and engraving, rendered in black ink on ivory laid paper. This classification of print allowed Hogarth to reach a wide and diverse audience, circulating moral and satirical commentary throughout England.

The A Rake's Progress series traces the cautionary tale of Tom Rakewell, whose sudden inheritance leads him rapidly through dissolution and eventual ruin. This sixth plate marks a crucial turning point, depicting Rakewell incarcerated in the notorious Fleet Prison for debt. Hogarth (1697-1764) utilizes meticulous detail to satirize the social conditions and pitfalls of misused wealth in 18th-century England. The sequential narrative of the progress served both as popular entertainment and as a stark warning about the consequences of vice and financial irresponsibility, reflecting the moralizing trends within English culture during the Georgian era.

Hogarth’s pioneering visual narratives established him as the preeminent graphic artist of his time. The enduring popularity and critical analysis of this work ensure its historical significance today. As a key example of the artist’s output, this original print is preserved in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Because the work is historically significant and frequently reproduced, high-quality images of this masterpiece are often accessible through the public domain, allowing broader scholarly access to these foundational English prints.