Print from a set of six 'The Modern Harlot's Progress or the Adventures of Harriet Heedless', printed by Carington Bowles, London; British, 1780.

Harriet Heedless now working as a maid, brings a tray of food to the bedroom of a Rake, who is wearing a dressing gown (or banyan) and hair curlers. On the table beside him is the 'Morning Post' newspaper and a closed book. The 'Bawd' opens the door for Harriet and outside the door on the staircase, the scene is watched by a maid servant.

The room is furnished with curtained bed, a table, chairs and an ornately framed round mirror and arabesque-patterned carpet. On the wall are three pictures, one of a woman holding a mask, the other a portrait of a man and an oval picture between them depicting Cupid wearing a blind-fold.

RP No. 92/2553

This is one of a set of six prints telling the story of Harriet Heedless, a county girl who arrives in town looking for a position as a servant, only to be duped into becoming a 'kept woman' and later descending into prostitution and poverty. This set, published in 1780, is based on an earlier set by William Hogarth entitled 'The Harlot's Progress' (1732) and shows how his influence on printmaking remained strong fifty years on.

E.535-1993