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 now dressed as a prostitute sits at a table, taking snuff. On the table are playing cards and the book 'Hoyles Games'. A milliner also sits at the table and hands her a hat to try on. The milliner's apprentice stands behind her holdind a box. Harriet is being served a glass of wine by a black female servant whose apron is torn. A soldier also sits at the table drinking and smoking a pipe and another sailor sits near to the door in the right corner stroking a young girl on her chin.

The room is moderately furnished with a bed with curtain and bent curtain rail, carpet, two tables, plain mirror, and chairs. On the wall are two large paintings, one a scene of ruins, another a naval battle. Also on the wall is a printed ballad pinned next to the door-frame with an illustration of a ship below which is the title Man of Fashion and the ballad. Through the open doorway is a landing and window, through which can be seen ships' masts suggesting a ocation near to docks.

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.538-1993