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This is a drawing of an asylum scene depicting the interior of a crowded room with various figures engaged in chaotic and disturbing activities. The image shows individuals in different states of distress and behavior that suggest mental instability. The central figure is shirtless and restrained, being attended to by a woman and an older man, possibly a physician. The background contains numerous figures engaging in erratic behavior; one individual is gesturing with exaggerated motions, while another plays a musical instrument. Two women are seen whispering and fanning themselves on the right. A small dog barks or is excited at the bottom center of the scene. The use of detailed linework and shading brings a sense of depth and structure to the image, emphasizing the confinement and tumultuous atmosphere within this enclosed space.
National Gallery of Art · Print
A Rake's Progress: pl.8
William Hogarth
- Date
- 1735
- Medium
- etching and engraving
- Dimensions
- sheet: 36 × 41.1 cm (14 3/16 × 16 3/16 in.)
- Classification
- Accession number
- 1944.5.35
- Credit line
- Rosenwald Collection
- Time span
- 1726 to 1750
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- British
- Seated figure
- interior
- architecture
- Dog
- Musical instrument
- Figures
NGA object ID 30381. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.