A Rakes Progress Collection

A Rakes Progress, Plate 1, June 25, 1735. Creator: William Hogarth
A Rakes Progress, Plate 1, June 25, 1735

A Rakes Progress - 2: The Levee, 1733. Artist: William Hogarth
A Rakes Progress - 2: The Levee, 1733. Tom holds a morning reception at his new palatial town lodgings. Vistors offer their services: a jockey, a dancing-master (with violin)

A Rakes Progress - 8: The Mad House, 1733. Artist: William Hogarth
A Rakes Progress - 8: The Mad House, 1733. True to his nature Tom Rakewell has run through a vast fortune through indulgence in all the luxuries of modern living

A Rakes Progress, Plate 5, June 25, 1735. Creator: William Hogarth
A Rakes Progress, Plate 5, June 25, 1735

A Rakes Progress, Plate 7, June 25, 1735. Creator: William Hogarth
A Rakes Progress, Plate 7, June 25, 1735

A Rakes Progress, Plate 6, June 25, 1735. Creator: William Hogarth
A Rakes Progress, Plate 6, June 25, 1735

The Rakes Progress - The Arrest, c1735, (1904). Artist: William Hogarth
The Rakes Progress - The Arrest, c1735, (1904). From the collection of the Sir John SoaneAEs Museum, London. From Social England, Volume V, edited by H.D. Traill, D.C.L. and J. S. Mann, M.A

A Rakes Progress - 6: The Gaming House, 1733. Artist: William Hogarth
A Rakes Progress - 6: The Gaming House, 1733. Tom Rakewell is in a gambling house in Covent Garden, London. Having just lost his wifes fortune, he falls to his knees

A Rakes Progress - 7: Fleet Prison, 1733. Artist: William Hogarth
A Rakes Progress - 7: Fleet Prison, 1733. Tom Rakewell is confined to Fleet Prison, London, for debt, and being harangued by his wife

A Rakes Progress - 5: He Marries, 1733. Artist: William Hogarth
A Rakes Progress - 5: He Marries, 1733. Tom Rakewell marries an old but rich woman, in order to retrieve his fortune. Meanwhile, in the background

A Rakes Progress; scene I, 1735. Artist: William Hogarth
A Rakes Progress ; scene I, 1734. Tom Rakewell is taking possession of his miserly fathers effects. Kneeling beside him is a tailor measuring him up for a new set of clothes

A Rakes Progress - 5: He Marries, 1733 (1934). Artist: William Hogarth
A Rakes Progress - 5: He Marries, 1733 (1934). Painting housed in the Sir John Soanes Museum, London. From The Studio Volume 107. [The Offices of the Studio Ltd. London, 1934]

A Rakes Progress - 4: The Arrest, 1733. Artist: William Hogarth
A Rakes Progress - 4: The Arrest, 1733 (1904). Tom Rakewell heads for a royal levee at St Jamess Palace, London, in his sedan chair. He is stopped by two bailiffs, who arrest him for debt

A Rakes Progress - 3: The The Orgy, 1733. Artist: William Hogarth
A Rakes Progress - 3: The The Orgy, 1733. Tom Rakewell is in the Rose Tavern, on Drury Lane, London, being relieved of his pocket watch by two women

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"A Rake's Progress: A Journey of Excess and Ruin" Step into the world of William Hogarth's iconic series, "A Rake's Progress, " as we delve into the captivating tale of a young man's descent into debauchery and downfall. Created in 1733 by the brilliant artist himself, this collection of paintings tells a cautionary story that still resonates today. Plate 1 sets the stage for our protagonist's journey on June 25, 1735. We witness his inheritance squandered frivolously, foreshadowing the chaos to come. The Levee depicted in Plate 2 reveals his indulgence in vanity and extravagance, surrounded by sycophantic admirers who fuel his reckless behavior. As we progress further through this harrowing narrative, Plate 5 shows us a pivotal moment – our rake succumbs to societal pressure and hastily marries an unsuitable partner. This ill-fated decision is brilliantly captured by Hogarth’s masterful brushstrokes. In Plate 6, we find ourselves immersed in The Gaming House where our protagonist falls prey to addiction and loses everything he holds dear. His fortunes continue to decline as he finds himself imprisoned within Fleet Prison in Plate 7 – a stark reminder of the consequences of his actions. The Mad House awaits him next; Plate 8 unveils the depths of his mental deterioration due to excessive living. Here lies a powerful commentary on society’s obsession with pleasure at any cost. Hogarth skillfully portrays each scene with intricate detail and symbolism that captivates viewers even centuries later. Through these artworks, he exposes not only one man’s moral decay but also reflects upon broader themes such as greed, corruption, and societal expectations. "The Arrest" captures another crucial juncture where our rake faces justice for his misdeeds—a poignant reminder that no one can escape their past forever. This painting serves as a turning point, forcing our protagonist to confront the consequences of his actions.