Artwork
A Rake's Progress: pl.7
A Rake's Progress: pl.7 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 forms the seventh plate of William Hogarth’s series *A Rake’s Progress*.
Created in 1735, this print forms the seventh plate of William Hogarth’s series *A Rake’s Progress*. Executed through a combination of etching and engraving, the image presents a cramped interior where a disheveled man leans over a table, clutching a key, while a woman tends a baby and other figures linger in various states of argument or resignation. A burning structure can be seen through a window, adding to the sense of chaos.
Subject & Meaning
The scene illustrates a moment in the downfall of Tom Rakewell, the fictional heir whose prodigal spending leads him to ruin. By depicting domestic disorder, strained relationships, and a distant fire, Hogarth underscores the moral consequences of reckless behavior and the erosion of social stability that accompanies personal excess.
Technique & Style
Hogford employed precise line work characteristic of engraving, complemented by the softer tonal qualities achievable through etching. The stark contours emphasize the tumultuous atmosphere, while accompanying captions beneath each vignette guide the viewer through the narrative, a hallmark of Hogarth’s sequential storytelling approach.
History & Provenance
William Hogarth, a London‑born painter, engraver, and satirist, produced the series as a moral commentary on contemporary vices. The plates were published shortly after their completion and quickly circulated among the British public, establishing Hogarth’s reputation as a leading figure in 18th‑century visual culture.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Hogarth (; 10 November 1697 – 26 October 1764) was an English painter, engraver, satirist, cartoonist and writer.
