A Harlot's Progress: Hogarth's moral tale of eighteenth-century London
In short
A Harlot's Progress is a 1732 series by William Hogarth, issued as engravings, that follows Moll Hackabout, a young woman who arrives in London from the country, falls into prostitution and dies young. Hogarth used it to satirise the moral corruption and social injustice of Georgian England. Its success made his name, and A Rake's Progress followed.
What the full article will cover
- What story does A Harlot's Progress tell?
- Who was Moll Hackabout?
- What was Hogarth satirising?
- Why were the engravings so successful?
- How did A Rake's Progress continue the theme?
- Where can the series be seen today?
Frequently asked questions
- Do the original Harlot's Progress paintings survive?
- What does 'progress' mean in Hogarth's titles?
- Was Moll Hackabout based on a real person?
- What is A Rake's Progress about?
Sources
- britannica.com — https://www.britannica.com/topic/A-Harlots-Progress
- britishmuseum.org — https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1868-0822-1516
- etymonline.com — https://www.etymonline.com/word/harlot
General information, not legal or religious advice.