Artwork
A Harlot's Progress: pl.3
A Harlot's Progress: pl.3 is an ink print by the Baroque artist William Hogarth. It dates from 1732 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
William Hogarth’s third plate of *A Harlot’s Progress* (1732) is a combined etching and engraving that forms part of a six‑image narrative series. The work follows the young woman’s descent into prostitution, illustrating a particular episode in the larger moral tale that Hogarth presented through sequential prints.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts a cramped interior where two women occupy the space: one, elegantly dressed, sits on a chair holding a fan while a small dog lies at her feet; the other, in a servant’s role, pours a drink from a bottle into a cup. The cluttered surroundings—tattered papers, half‑eaten food, dirty dishes, and a bucket—suggest a disordered, possibly commercial lodging, underscoring the degradation associated with the protagonist’s circumstances.
Technique & Style
Hogford employed both etching and engraving techniques, allowing for fine line work and strong contrasts. The precision of the engraved lines defines the figures and architectural details, while the etched areas provide tonal variation that renders the texture of fabrics, papers, and the room’s grime, characteristic of Hogarth’s meticulous printmaking.
History & Provenance
Created in 1732, the plate was issued as part of the original series that circulated widely in England, extending Hogarth’s reputation beyond painting into the realm of popular prints. The series was sold to subscribers and later reproduced in various editions, contributing to its dissemination among a broad audience.
Context
Hogarth positioned the series within his self‑described “modern moral subjects,” a genre that combined social satire with didactic narrative. By portraying the everyday vices and hardships of London’s lower classes, he aimed to critique contemporary moral decay while offering a cautionary story for viewers.
Legacy
The *A Harlot’s Progress* plates, including this third image, exemplify Hogarth’s influence on narrative printmaking. Their blend of detailed observation, moralizing intent, and accessible format set a precedent for later British illustrators and contributed to the development of sequential art as a vehicle for social commentary.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Hogarth (; 10 November 1697 – 26 October 1764) was an English painter, engraver, satirist, cartoonist and writer.
