“A Harlot’s Progress, plate 1” is an artwork by William Hogarth, dated 1732. It is a print, created during the Rococo art movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 29.9 x 37.3 cm. This piece is classified under the genre of genre painting and is part of the series “Harlot’s Progress.”
The artwork depicts a vivid and detailed scene that appears to capture a moment from everyday life in the 18th century. A young woman, dressed in modest attire, stands at the center, conversing with an older, more elaborately dressed woman. Surrounding them is a bustling environment filled with various characters engaged in different activities, adding to the complexity and narrative of the scene. The setting includes elements such as a large barrel, a horse and cart, and a background of an urban dwelling, all rendered with intricate detail. This visual representation serves to narrate a story, reflecting the societal themes and moral undertones characteristic of Hogarth’s work.