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 sits on a couch with the Rake, both dressed in riding outfits. Harriet is attended by a black boy-servant who holds up a tray with a glass of wine. A footman spies round the open doorway. A dog sits on the couch with his feet on the Rakes knee. They room is well-furnished room with arabesque patterned carpet, a table on which is a decanter of drink and glass, a dressing table with mirror. On the wall are two landscape paintings depicting a bridge (left) and a sailing boat on a lake (right) and an oval mirror.

The room has two windows. Through one can be seen a Phaeton with woman and coachman driving past the house.

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.536-1993