A Rake's Progress, Plate I - The Heir

A Rake's Progress is a series of eight paintings and engravings by William Hogarth.  The series was first published in print form in 1735 and shows the decline and fall of Tom Rakewell, a rich merchant's son, who comes to London and leads a life of debauchery resulting in first imprisonment and then sectioned to Bedlam madhouse.

'The Heir' is the first of the series and depicts Tom Rakewell being measured for new clothes after the death of his wealthy, yet miserly father.  He rejects the hand of his pregnant fiancée, Sarah Young, and focuses his attention on spending his recent inheritance.

This print is produced on St Cuthbert's Mill special acid free archival artboard.

The overall loose print size is 24cm x 33cm.

The framed print is presented in 20mm black wood archivist moulding, complete with rope hanger over hardboard back with a cream board mount.  The overall size is 33cm x 43cm.