Moll Hackabout Encounters a Bawd in London - William Hogarth

This engraving by William Hogarth, titled *Moll Hackabout Encounters a Bawd in London*, is the first plate from his series *A Harlot's Progress*. It depicts a young woman arriving in London and being approached by a procuress.

This engraving by William Hogarth (1697-1764) is the first plate from his series *A Harlot's Progress*, published in 1732. Hogarth, a British painter, printmaker, and satirist, is known for his narrative series that depict the social and moral issues of 18th-century England. These series were originally produced as paintings, then engraved for wider distribution. Hogarth was a pioneer in the development of serialised narrative art. He used his art to comment on contemporary society, politics, and morality. *A Harlot's Progress* tells the story of Moll Hackabout, a young woman who arrives in London and is quickly drawn into a life of prostitution. In this first scene, Moll is shown arriving in London by stagecoach. She is immediately accosted by a bawd, or procuress, who is identifiable by her age, exaggerated features, and the fact that she is touching Moll's face. The bawd is attempting to recruit Moll into her brothel. The scene is filled with details that suggest the moral corruption of London society, such as the leering man on horseback and the dilapidated buildings. The composition is carefully arranged to guide the viewer's eye through the narrative, from Moll's arrival to her encounter with the bawd and the implied dangers that lie ahead.