William Hogarth (1697-1764) used his prints to reflect the society that he found himself in. He dealth with many issues through his art; everything from urban decay to political decay. In his works we follow the journey of decline that Hogarth saw around him, and he reflected in familiar settings in his prints. In many instances we are able to follow the journey of some wayward soul on their travels into debauchery and onward past salvation. Such journeys are seen in The Harlot's Progress, The Rake's Progress, Industry and Idleness, and many more.
Now it must be understood that not all of his works depicted the culture around him as decaying and infectious. Many of his prints and paintings comemorated great people or great scenes found in the literature of the time.
Below is a meager sampling of some of his works. I have put some of my own explinations with a few of the prints. Keep in mind these are my interpretations and not authoritative. Many of my interpretations have been shaped by the help of an excellent Restoration Specialist; Dr. Catherine Ingrassia. Other interpretations have merely come to me through study of his work and authoritative texts. Please enjoy and if you have any corrections or comments please send them to me.
 Harlot's Progress Plate 1 |  Harlot's Progress Plate 2 |  Harlot's Progress Plate 3 |
 Harlot's Progress Plate 4 |  Harlot's Progress Plate 5 |  Harlot's Progress Plate 6 |
 Rake's Progress Plate 1 |  Rake's Progress Plate 2 |  Rake's Progress Plate 3 | |||||
 Rake's Progress Plate 4 |  Rake's Progress Plate 5 |  Rake's Progress Plate 6 | |||||
 Rake's Progress Plate 7 |  Rake's Progress Plate 8 |
