Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Museums > Bethlem of the Mind
A Rakes Progress, Plate 8, June 25, 1735. Creator: William Hogarth
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
A Rakes Progress, Plate 8, June 25, 1735. Creator: William Hogarth
A Rakes Progress, Plate 8, June 25, 1735
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 20577843
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Asylum Bedlam Bethlehem Hospital Bethlem Hospital Bethlem Royal Hospital City Of London England Comfort Grief Hogarth Hogarth William Hospital Immoral Insanity Madness Manacle Old Bethlehem Hospital Rake Rakes Progress Sarah Young Sickness Stringed Instrument Tom Rakewell Violin Violinist W Hogarth William Hogarth
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> H
> William Hogarth
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> William White
> Arts
> Artists
> William Hogarth
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Art
> Music
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Art
> William Hogarth
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> City of London
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Fashion
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Hospitals
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> Bethlem of the Mind
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures Plate 8 of "A Rake's Progress" by William Hogarth, created on June 25,1735. The image showcases the interior of Bethlem Royal Hospital, also known as Bedlam, in London during the 18th century. In this scene, a group of people is gathered around a musician playing a stringed instrument while an asylum patient sits on the bed in deep grief. Hogarth's satirical series depicts the moral decline and eventual downfall of Tom Rakewell, a young man who squanders his inheritance through immoral behavior. Plate 8 represents Tom's descent into madness as he finds himself confined within the walls of Bethlem Hospital due to his deteriorating mental health. The photograph highlights not only Hogarth's exceptional engraving and etching skills but also provides us with insight into the social attitudes towards mental illness during that time period. It serves as a reminder of how individuals deemed mentally ill were often treated with little understanding or compassion. Through this powerful visual representation, we are transported back to an era where concepts such as comfort and proper healthcare for those suffering from insanity were far from being realized. This artwork remains an important part of British heritage art and continues to be exhibited at renowned institutions like The Met Museum today.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
