Artwork
A Rake's Progress: pl.1
A Rake's Progress: pl.1 is an ink print by the Baroque artist William Hogarth. It dates from 1735 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1735, this print is the opening plate of William Hogarth’s eight‑image series *A Rake’s Progress*. Executed through a combination of etching and engraving, the work introduces the protagonist, Tom Rakewell, as he steps into a world of affluence that will later unravel.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows a young gentleman surrounded by sumptuous décor—a large mirror, a clock, a globe—and attended by a servant bearing a drink and a plate. While the setting conveys wealth, the servant’s uneasy glance hints at the moral and financial instability that underpins Rakewell’s ascent.
Technique & Style
Hogford employs fine line work characteristic of eighteenth‑century British printmaking, blending the fluidity of etching with the crispness of engraving. The detailed rendering of textures—silk, wood, metal—demonstrates his skill in creating depth and narrative within a single plate.
History & Provenance
Hogarth, a London‑born artist who rose from a modest background to become a leading satirist, produced the series as part of his “modern moral subjects.” The plates were published shortly after their completion and circulated widely, establishing the series alongside his other narrative cycles such as *A Harlot’s Progress* and *Marriage A‑la‑Mode*.
Context
The work reflects mid‑eighteenth‑century concerns about the perils of sudden wealth and reckless spending among the rising middle class. By portraying Rakewell’s initial indulgence, Hogarth sets up a visual cautionary tale that resonated with contemporary audiences wary of moral decay.
Legacy
*A Rake’s Progress* influenced later satirical illustrators and contributed to the development of sequential art. Its blend of social critique and detailed storytelling helped define the narrative print genre in Britain and beyond.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Hogarth (; 10 November 1697 – 26 October 1764) was an English painter, engraver, satirist, cartoonist and writer.
