A Harlot's Progress, Plate 6 1732

William Hogarth created "A Harlot's Progress, Plate 6," using engraving. The composition is dense, filled with figures arranged in a shallow, stage-like space, all rendered in intricate detail. The contrast of light and shadow creates a dramatic effect, highlighting certain figures while obscuring others. Hogarth uses the space to satirize societal hypocrisy. We see this in the division of the composition: on one side, figures gather around a table, seemingly indifferent, while on the other, a more chaotic scene unfolds. Here, Hogarth destabilizes traditional morality by exposing the corruption and moral decay that permeate all levels of society. The structure of the room, with its claustrophobic feel, suggests a world where vice is inescapable. Ultimately, Hogarth uses the formal elements of engraving to underscore a complex social critique. By engaging with these visual and cultural codes, we can begin to decode the multiple layers of meaning embedded within it.