A coffin containing the body of Moll Hackabout surrounded by a parson among other so-called mourners. Engraving by William Hogarth.

  • Hogarth, William, 1697-1764.
Reference:
38314i
Part of:
A harlot's progress
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Description

The scene is "a spectrum of selfishness in the face of death" (D. Bindman, Hogarth, London 1981, p 61.) The parson spills his drink as his other hand explores beneath the dress of his female neighbour. Moll's child, in full mourning robes, sits beneath the coffin playing with a top and taking no notice of the occasion. Another woman weeps but not because of the occasion but due to a painful finger

Publication/Creation

[London] : [publisher not identified]

Physical description

1 print : engraving, with etching ; image 29.6 x 37.7 cm.

Lettering

Plate 6. Wm Hogarth invt. pinxt. et sculpt. A plate on the coffin is inscribed: "M. Hack-about died Sep 2d. 1731 aged 23"

References note

R. Paulson, Hogarth's graphic works, London 1989, 3rd edition, no. 126

Reference

Wellcome Collection 38314i

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