Home > Animals > Insects > Spiders > False Black Widow
A Rakes Progress, 1763; plate VIII of VIII. Artist: William Hogarth
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
A Rakes Progress, 1763; plate VIII of VIII. Artist: William Hogarth
A Rakes Progress, 1763; plate VIII of VIII. True to his nature Tom Rakewell has run through a vast fortune through indulgence in all the luxuries of modern living. He has lived riotously, both gambling and whoring. He has married a rich old widow and been ruined a second time. Now the rake is raving mad and shackled for his own safety in Bedlam, the London lunatic asylum. He is comforted by Sarah Young, the poor girl that he had seduced with a false promise of marriage while he was a student at Oxford. Behind two fashionable women have come to view the hospitals inmates
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 15166932
© London Metropolitan Archives (City of London) / Heritage-Images
Asylum Bedlam Bethlehem Hospital Bethlem Hospital Bethlem Royal Hospital Comfort Fiddle Fiddler Grief Hogarth Hospital Immoral Immorality Insanity Madness Manacle Old Bethlehem Hospital Rake Sarah Young Sick Sickness Stringed Instrument Tom Rakewell Violin Violinist W Hogarth William Hogarth Manacles
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Insects
> Spiders
> False Black Widow
> Arts
> Artists
> H
> William Hogarth
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> William White
> Arts
> Artists
> William Hogarth
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Fine art
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Modern art
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Monochrome paintings
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Art
> Music
> Related Images
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a pivotal moment in William Hogarth's iconic series, "A Rake's Progress". Plate VIII of VIII portrays the tragic downfall of Tom Rakewell, a man who squandered his vast fortune on indulgent luxuries. True to his nature, he engaged in reckless gambling and promiscuity, leading him to ruin not once but twice. Now confined within the walls of Bedlam, London's infamous lunatic asylum, Tom is shown in shackles for his own safety. In this scene of despair and madness, he finds solace in the presence of Sarah Young - a poor girl whom he had seduced with false promises during his time as an Oxford student. As we observe this haunting image unfold before our eyes, two fashionable women stand behind them; drawn by morbid curiosity to witness the inmates of this grim institution. The engraving beautifully captures the interior setting of Bethlem Royal Hospital with its somber atmosphere. Hogarth masterfully uses satire to critique society's immorality and excesses during 18th-century England. Through intricate details such as a fiddler playing mournful music on a stringed instrument nearby, Hogarth emphasizes the grief and sickness that have consumed Tom Rakewell's life. This thought-provoking print from Guildhall Library and Art Gallery serves as both a historical document and an artistic masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences today.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.