10 Comments
User's avatar
Dorothy Dimock's avatar

Thus strikes me as the mirror image ot The Pilgrim's Progress. Did Hogarth have that in mind?

James's avatar

Well spotted! Yes absolutely, Hogarth deliberately chose the title to invoke the memory of A Pilgrim's Progress, and exactly as you say, portray its inverse.

Just as A Rake's Progress was aimed af young men, his companion series A Harlot's Progress was painted for young women. It was an extraordinarily original use of art for moral instruction!

Angel of reason's avatar

Thank you for taking the time to reveal and discuss this work of art with timeless wisdom. Imagine these paintings as posters in the middle and high school hallways!

James's avatar

You are most welcome my friend 🙏 Indeed they would be particularly appropriate for a boy's secondary school. As would Hogarth's second 'Progress' series for a girl's school!

Augustus at Kataphasis's avatar

Hogarth really did this. Unbelievable.

Great article, by the way. :)

James's avatar

Indeed! While A Rake’s Progress is quite well known for the ‘debauchery’ it depicts, the signs of redemption that Hogarth includes are easily overlooked. It is a far deeper work than generally assumed.

Thank you sincerely for your kind words, and the time you gave to reading it!

Chandrasekhar Karlapudi's avatar

You are welcome. New here. Thoroughly enjoyed your write-up on awkwardness too. Thank you.

James's avatar

We are honoured to have you with us sir! I am glad you too appreciate the wisdom that dwells in the 18th century!

James's avatar

Indeed! Thank you!