A Harlot's Progress
The six prints telling the cautionary story of Moll Hackabout, a harlot, were published in April 1732, the first of Hogarth’s ‘Modern Moral Subjects’. Hogarth intended the pictures to stand without accompanying text. The series had 1,240 subscribers and was so popular that pirated versions were quickly issued.
In the Royal Collection by 1845
Cat. 86
William Hogarth (1697-1764)
A Harlot's Progress:Plate one 1732
Etching and engraving | 31.7 x 39.0 cm (platemark) | RCIN 811512.a
Master: A Harlot's Progress Item: A Harlot's Progress:Plate one
Moll Hackabout arrives in London and meets Mother Needham, a notorious procuress
Moll Hackabout arrives in London and meets Mother Needham, a notorious procuress
Royal Collection Trust/ © His Majesty King Charles III 2022
William Hogarth (1697-1764)
A Harlot's Progress: Plate two 1732
Etching and engraving | 32.7 x 39.2 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 811512.b
Master: A Harlot's Progress Item: A Harlot's Progress: Plate two
Moll is mistress to a wealthy Jewish man. She creates a diversion to allow a second lover to escape
Moll is mistress to a wealthy Jewish man. She creates a diversion to allow a second lover to escape
Royal Collection Trust/ © His Majesty King Charles III 2022
William Hogarth (1697-1764)
A Harlot's Progress: Plate three 1732
Etching and engraving | 33.6 x 40.3 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 811512.c
Master: A Harlot's Progress Item: A Harlot's Progress: Plate three
Moll, in a reduced state, takes tea while bailiffs enter her lodgings
Moll, in a reduced state, takes tea while bailiffs enter her lodgings
Royal Collection Trust/ © His Majesty King Charles III 2022
William Hogarth (1697-1764)
A Harlot's Progress: Plate four 1732
Etching and engraving | 33.1 x 40.0 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 811512.d
Master: A Harlot's Progress Item: A Harlot's Progress: Plate four
Moll beats hemp in Bridewell Prison
Moll beats hemp in Bridewell Prison
Royal Collection Trust/ © His Majesty King Charles III 2022
William Hogarth (1697-1764)
A Harlot's Progress: Plate five 1732
Etching and engraving | 33.3 x 40.4 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 811512.e
Master: A Harlot's Progress Item: A Harlot's Progress: Plate five
Moll is dying while two doctors argue over her treatment
Moll is dying while two doctors argue over her treatment
Royal Collection Trust/ © His Majesty King Charles III 2022
William Hogarth (1697-1764)
A Harlot's Progress: Plate six 1732
Etching and engraving | 32.8 x 39.8 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 811512.f
Master: A Harlot's Progress Item: A Harlot's Progress: Plate six
Moll’s coffin is surrounded by a group of insincere mourners
Moll’s coffin is surrounded by a group of insincere mourners
Royal Collection Trust/ © His Majesty King Charles III 2022
