Moll Hackabout, dressed in fine clothes, is beating hemp, used for making rope, with a mallet, in a prison with other inmates who are mostly prostitutes. Engraving by William Hogarth.

  • Hogarth, William, 1697-1764.
Reference:
38227i
Part of:
A harlot's progress
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About this work

Description

The scene is the interior of Bridewell, the house of correction in Tothill Fields, Westminster. In the background is some graffiti of "Sr JG" hung. A warden threatens Moll with a cane and points to a tog and chain. A discarded and torn card on the floor indicates that the man was a gambler

Publication/Creation

[London] : [publisher not identified]

Physical description

1 print : engraving, with etching ; image 29.9 x 37.6 cm.

Lettering

Plate 4. Wm Hogarth invt. pinxt et sculpt. A set of stocks mounted on the wall is inscribed: "Better to work than stand thus"

References note

R. Paulson, Hogarth's graphic works, London 1989, 3rd edition, no. 124

Reference

Wellcome Collection 38227i

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