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1986-22, Print
Rake's Progress, Plate 2: Attended by his Levee in London
1986-22, Print

Rake's Progress, Plate 2: Attended by his Levee in London

Date1735
Artist/Maker Thomas Bakewell (1716 - ca. 1760)
Artist/Maker William Hogarth (1697 - 1764)
OriginEngland, London
MediumEtching and line engraving on laid paper
DimensionsOther (Sight measurement (Framed)): 10 1/2 × 12in. (26.7 × 30.5cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1986-22
DescriptionThe upper margin reads: "ATTENDED BY HIS LEVEE IN LONDON"
The ower margin reads: "Published with the consent of Mr. W.m Hogarth by T. Bakewell according to Act of Parliament July 1735/ Plate 2.d/ To recompense the Sire's continue'd Fast,/ Behold the Son commence a Man of Tast!/ See various Artists claim his morning Hours,/ The soft Musician charms w.th Musick's Powr's/ HIs foppish Airs the nimble Dancer shews,/ The Jockey boasts his steed, the Bard his muse;/ A Sage, in Mysteries of Vertumnus skill'd,/ Plans into Gardens each paternal Field,/ The Fencer shews t'evade or give the Wound,/ The jolly Huntsman tempts w.th Horn & Hound,/ With Sword & Soul the Bully vows to serve him,/ The Drift of all's the same -- to fleece & starve him."
Label TextThis is the second scene from of one of William Hogarth's most popular "Modern Moral Subjects”: " A Rake's Progress." This print was published as an authorized copy by Thomas Bakewel with Hogarth's authorization in 1735 (fr the rest of the incomplete set by Bakewell see 1986-21,A, 1986-23, and 1986-24,A. With the popularity of ‘A Harlot's Progress,' Hogarth commenced selling subscriptions in late 1733, but the prints were not completed until June 1735. Part of this delay was the passage of the Engraver's Act, which was designed to prevent pirating of engraver's works. Hogarth waited until the act took effect on June 25th, 1735 - the date engraved on the prints - to publish the series. Despite his careful planning, pirated copies appeared on the market in early June apparently based on Hogarth's original paintings for the set, now in the collection of Sir John Soane's Museum. Hogarth's prints were expensive and published on subscription only, therefore to make a profit on the lower end of the market and combat the piracies, he authorized print seller Bakewell to publish smaller and cheaper versions of the series, with an imprint proving they were authorized copies. (see See 1967-566,2 by Hogarth and 2014-223, 2 by Henry Parker)..

The second plate of Hogarth's series "A Rake's Progress" shows Tom Rakewell's meteoric rise as the stylish heir spending his newly acquired fortune. Evidence of his lavish spending is indicated by his acquisition of artwork, fine clothing, and newly improved space. A poet, a garden designer (allegedly Charles Bridgeman, gardener to King George I and King George II), a musician (possibly Hogarth's enemy, Handel), a jockey, a poet, a dancing master, a fencing instructor, and a tailor all vie for his attention and patronage.

The text below reads:
To recompense the Sire's continu'd Fast,
Behold the Son commence a Man of Tast!
See various Artists claim his morning Hours,
The soft Musician charms w.th Musick's Powr's
His fobbish Airs the nimble Dancer shews,
The Jockey boasts his steed, the Bard his muse;
A Sage, in Mysteries of Vertumnus skill'd,
Plans into Gardens each paternal Field,
The fencer shews t'evade or give the Wound,
The jolly Huntsman tempts w.th Horn & Hound,
With Sword & Soul the Bully vows to serve him,
The Drift of all's the same - to fleece & starve him.