The Harlot's Progress 3

The Harlot's Progress 3

William Hogarth (1697 - 1764)

Date: 1732
Dimensions:
314 x 376 mm
Medium: Etching and engraving
Object number: PT1092
DescriptionPlate III Apprehended by A Magistrate
Etching and Engraving.1732. 31.4 x 37.6 cm. State I
Engraver William Hogarth (1697-1764)
Below plate: Plate III. Wm. Hogarth inv.pinxt.et.sculp.
In this scene we see that Moll has progressed from a kept woman living in luxury to a common prostitute due to her unfaithfulness to her wealthy lover.
The witch's hat and birch rods that hang on the wall suggests her profession requires her to dress up as a witch for her clients.
On the window ledge there are two medicine bottles containing cures for syphilis.
With the arrest of Moll by the authorities Hogarth is making a comment about the establishment's willingness to punish the poor and unfortunate, but not to help them.
Moll's maid is now an old woman. Moll's bed is the only major piece of furniture in the room, indicating her reduced fortunes.
The wig box of highwayman James Dalton hanged in 1730 is stored over her bed, suggesting he may have been one of her lovers or paying clients. Moll is showing off a stolen watch that he may have given to her before he was hung.
Hogarth portrays the magistrate Sir John Gonson, who had campaigned to clear London's streets of prostitution, coming through the door with three armed bailiffs to arrest Moll for her activities. As Gonson enters, his attention is not on Moll but on the witch's hat and broom hanging from the wall above Moll's bed.
Paulson 121.
PT1092