Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Museums > Bethlem of the Mind
A Rakes Progress, Plate 8, [June 25, 1735] reissued 1763. Creator: William Hogarth
![A Rakes Progress, Plate 8, [June 25, 1735] reissued 1763. Creator: William Hogarth](/p/731/rakes-progress-plate-8-june-25-20577719.jpg.webp "A Rakes Progress, Plate 8, [June 25, 1735] reissued 1763. Creator: William Hogarth")
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
A Rakes Progress, Plate 8, [June 25, 1735] reissued 1763. Creator: William Hogarth
A Rakes Progress, Plate 8, [June 25, 1735] reissued 1763
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 20577719
© 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 Rakes Progress" by William Hogarth, originally created on June 25,1735 and reissued in 1763. The image depicts a scene set in the infamous Bethlem Royal Hospital, commonly known as Bedlam, during the 18th century in London, England. In this satirical engraving, Hogarth explores themes of immorality, insanity, and grief. The interior of the hospital is depicted with meticulous detail, showcasing its bleak atmosphere. A group of people can be seen within the asylum's confines - both men and women dressed in period fashion. Among them is Tom Rakewell, the protagonist who has descended into madness due to his reckless lifestyle. In this particular plate from Hogarth's series, attention is drawn to a female violinist named Sarah Young. She stands near Tom Rakewell while playing her stringed instrument with great skill but also deep sorrow etched across her face. This juxtaposition highlights the contrast between music as an art form that brings comfort and solace versus the anguish experienced within Bedlam's walls. Hogarth masterfully uses satire to critique society's moral decay through his depiction of characters trapped within their own vices and mental afflictions. This print serves as a reminder of Hogarth's significant contribution to British heritage art and his ability to provoke thought about societal issues that still resonate 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.
