Currently not on view
A Harlot's Progress, Plate 3,
1732
William Hogarth, 1697–1764; born and died London, England
x1988-23
More Context
Special Exhibition
Prior to the AIDS epidemic, syphilis was the most feared of all sexually transmitted diseases. Its prevalence in eighteenth century London is evoked by Hogarth in his series <em>A Harlot’s Progress</em>, which chronicles the downfall and death of young Moll Hackabout. In plate 3, Moll smiles beguilingly from her bed, unaware that law enforcement has arrived to arrest her for prostitution. Vials of medicine on the windowsill suggest that the small black beauty spots on her face are hiding syphilis related lesions.
Information
Title
A Harlot's Progress, Plate 3
Dates
1732
Maker
Medium
Etching and engraving
Dimensions
plate: 32.4 x 39.1 cm (12 3/4 x 15 3/8 in.)
sheet: 49 × 65.5 cm. (19 5/16 × 25 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. William H. Walker II
Object Number
x1988-23
Inscription
Inscribed in plate, lower left: Plate 3.
Inscribed in plate, lower right: Wm. Hogarth invt pinxt et sculpt.
Reference Numbers
Paulson 123
Type
Subject
