SOANE MUSEUM, Hogarth Second Part

Would you like to learn the rest of the tale of A Rake's Progress told through the images of William Hogarth? Then dive into the second episode entitled The Levée.

With the money he inherited from his father, Tom became an "up and coming" gentleman. In this canvas, which is perhaps the most fun, you can see a parade of hilarious characters while others await their turn. With an inspired air the music teacher plays a new piece on the harpsichord, while the elderly fencing teacher demonstrates the "en garde" position and a quarterstaff instructor watches, perplexed. The effeminate dance teacher approaches on his tiptoes, holding a small violin in his hand. Behind them you can see a landscaper holding up his project for an English garden for Tom's new estate.

Still wearing his night cap, the libertine is holding the recommendation letter of a brute who is offering his services as Tom's bodyguard. There's also a hunting dog keeper blowing a horn and a jockey kneeling and holding a trophy that's even bigger than him. As you can see, Tom's inheritance will not last very long!

Now move on to the third episode entitled The Orgy: reeling after a brawl, the libertine is sprawled towards the right next to a round table. Two prostitutes near him steal his watch. The setting is quite squalid: a woman is burning the map hanging under the battered portraits of Roman emperors, a couple is flirting, and other prostitutes are drinking, spitting, and playing around. One prostitute is stripping while a pregnant singer performs, accompanied by a harpist and a trumpet player.

Now go on to the fourth episode entitled The Arrest: with the royal residence Saint James's Palace in the background, two officers arrest Tom for debt while uncovering the sedan chair. In the confusion, a boy steals his cane and a lamplighter pours oil from the public lamps over him. Sarah tries to intervene, but in vain.

Now go to the fifth episode: The Marriage. To get back on track, Tom Rakewell decides to arrange a marriage of convenience. In the beaten interior of the Church of St. Marylebone, before a decrepit priest and a sexton, our libertine puts a ring on the finger of an old, overdressed, cross-eyed woman, while at the same time glancing at the young and pretty maid. Can you see Sarah and her mother in the background trying to block the ceremony? They are sent away by the infuriated guard.

FUN FACT: in the wedding scene you can see two little dogs mimicking the ceremony: one is Trump, Hogarth's beloved pug that he painted several times.