A Harlot's Progress: Plate 3

Date1744-1835

Designed and engraved by William Hogarth (1697 - 1764)

MediumEtching with line engraving

DimensionsOverall: 12 7/16 × 15 1/4in. (31.6 × 38.7cm) Other (Plate): 12 1/4 × 14 15/16in. (31.1 × 37.9cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1951-86

DescriptionLower margin reads: "Plate 3./ W. Hogarth inv.t: pinx.t et sculp.t"
Label TextA Harlot's Progress is a six-part series by William Hogarth was the first of his popular "modern moral subjects" which depicted current social issues and topics of great interest through visual narratives. A Harlot's Progress tells the story of Moll Hackabout, a young woman who is coerced or willingly enters into an ill-fated life of prostitution. In this third scene, Moll Hackabout is no longer a kept woman, but a common prostitute living in Drury Lane area of London (based on the pewter measure on the floor which is inscribed 'James Dea[con?] in Drury Lane." She sits in bed, holding a broken watch, possibly a present or stolen from a client from the night before. Cheap portrait prints are pinned to the wall next to her bed and her mascarade costume (a cape, a brook, and pointed hat) are on display. As her servant brings her tea, a magistrate (identified as Sir. John Gonson) and his bailiffs arrive to arrive to arrest her.