A Rake’s Progress: The Gaming House

William Hogarth (mentioned on object), 1735-06

A rich man’s son, Tom Rakewell, has just gambled away a fortune in White’s Club in London. Kneeling, he prays for God’s help. Fire breaks out behind him, but men gamble away, unaware of impending danger. Hogarth devoted a series of eight paintings to Tom’s wasteful lifestyle, which he later issued in print. Incidentally, it ended badly for Tom: he was thrown into debtors’ prison and ultimately landed in a mental institution.

  • Artwork typeprint, cartoon
  • Object numberRP-P-OB-19.239
  • Dimensionsheight 354 mm x width 408 mm