A Harlot's Progress, Plate 3 1732

William Hogarth etched “A Harlot's Progress, Plate 3” to highlight societal hypocrisies. Here, we witness the protagonist amidst the trappings of her profession. Note the stage-like setting, with the bed taking center stage, shadowed by an ominous coffin atop the bed curtains. This is reminiscent of "memento mori," where objects symbolize mortality, a stark contrast to the surrounding finery. This stark symbol— the coffin—serves as a grim reminder of life's fragility, a theme that echoes through Renaissance vanitas paintings and even resurfaces in modern art’s exploration of existential dread. The nonchalant harlot collecting her coins is emotionally complex. Like figures in ancient Roman satires, Hogarth uses irony to critique social norms. He provokes a visceral response, challenging us to confront uncomfortable truths about morality, wealth, and social decay that continue to resonate.