The Rake's Progress 5

Date1735

MediumEtching and engraving

DimensionsObject/Work: 361 x 412 mm

ClassificationsArtworks/Commemorations/Photographs

Terms

Object numberPT1104

DescriptionPlate V Marries an Old Maid
1735. Etching and Engraving. 36.1 x 41.2 cm
State 1. Engraver: William Hogarth (1697-1764)
Below Plate: Invented, Painted & Engrav'd by Wm. Hogarth & Publish'd June ye. 25, 1735. According to Act of Parliament Plate.5.
Poulson 136
PT1104
With his escape from the bailiffs, saved by his spurred pregnant lover Sarah Young, Tom now needs to rebuild his life. Instead of coming to terms with his reduced circumstances and rekindling his love with Sarah, Tom decides that he need to make money anyway he can. Hogarth illustrates this, as we see Tom marrying a wealthy widow who is blind in one eye, in an attempt to rebuild his fortune and continue his social climbing.
As the ceremony gets under way it seems that Tom may be eying-up his wife's bride's maid.
Hogarth sets this scene in the Marylebone Old Church, which was known to carryout secret weddings. Within the run down church, a crack runs through the plaque of the "Ten Commandments" hung on the wall behind the vicar. Next to the Commandments is the Creed, it is so badly rotted, that only the words "I Believe" can be seen.
The poor box is so under used that cobwebs are covering it. In the background we see the mother of Sarah Young and a distraught Sarah carrying her baby trying to force their way into the church to disrupt the wedding.
Above them on the balcony an inscription reads "that the church was beautified in 1725".
Hogarth is commenting that corrupt churchwardens, vicars and officials often misused and stole church funds, meant for the relief of poor.
Hogarth depicts the interior of the church in a rundown state. An expressing of his belief that the Churches were not doing enough to help the poor.

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