Early 20th Century Framed Engraving of William Hogarth's "A Harlot's Progress"

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William Hogarth's "A Harlot's Progress," Plate 1, depicts a pivotal moment in the life of Moll Hackabout, a naïve country … Read more William Hogarth's "A Harlot's Progress," Plate 1, depicts a pivotal moment in the life of Moll Hackabout, a naïve country girl arriving in London with hopes of a better future but soon drawn into the city's corrupt underworld. The scene is set at the entrance of a bawdy house, marked by a cat's head sign, indicating its dubious nature. Moll, in simple country attire, stands uncertainly at the threshold, guided by an older woman who appears to be a procuress. Her expression reveals a blend of curiosity and apprehension, highlighting her vulnerability. Hogarth's detailed portrayal of the bustling London Street scene and its inhabitants sets the tone for Moll's tragic journey, underscoring the artist's critique of 18th-century urban moral decay. See less