Gin Lane 1751

"Gin Lane" (1751) is an engraving by William Hogarth, depicting the devastating effects of gin consumption on London's poor in the 18th century. The scene is teeming with figures, showcasing poverty, illness, and despair, while a gin distillery stands prominently. Hogarth's use of satire and moralizing tone aimed to expose the social ills of the time and advocate for temperance. This powerful image, a counterpoint to his "Beer Street," remains a haunting reminder of the dark side of poverty and addiction.