A Rake's Progress, Plate 8 1735 - 1763

"A Rake's Progress, Plate 8" (1735-1763) by William Hogarth depicts the titular rake's final moments in a debtor's prison. The scene is a stark contrast to the earlier plates in the series, with the once debauched protagonist now chained and surrounded by the impoverished and ill. The dramatic use of light and shadow heightens the sense of despair, while the presence of a clergyman and a dog underscores the themes of morality and redemption. This powerful social commentary on the pitfalls of a dissolute lifestyle cemented Hogarth’s reputation as a pioneer of the satirical print.