A Harlot's Progress: Plate 6

Date1734-1835

Designed and engraved by William Hogarth (1697 - 1764)

MediumEtching with line engraving

DimensionsOverall: 12 9/16 × 16 3/8in. (31.9 × 41.6cm) Other (Plate): 12 1/4 × 14 15/16in. (31.1 × 37.9cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1951-87

DescriptionLower margin reads: "Plate 6./ W.m 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. The sixth and final scene depicts Moll's funeral. Her coffin plate reads: "M. Hackabout Died Sep.r (?) 1731 Aged 23." Her child sits at the foot of her coffin, wearing mourning clothing - the scarf around his hat is known as a weeper. At his feet is a plate of rosemary, which was handed out at funerals in the period signifying remembrance, but it was also thought to ward off disease. The parson, apparently drunk, spills his wine. Most of the spectators either express disinterest or false grief, having come to the funeral to partake in drink and to receive mourning rings or to try on Moll's clothes.