Hogarth A Rake’s Progress

Let us see how this concept continues into Hogarth’s second series – A Rake’s Progress (1734).

Observe this famous detail of the Rake carousing in the tavern. Even though it looks awkward, Hogarth still positions the character’s feet at the prescribed square.

Figure 1 – Rake’s feet at square with red lines

IMAGE CREDIT:  William Hogarth – A Rake’s Progress (1734) Scene 1

In the first scene, the young rake is also at a square, and even though his father has passed away, the old miser’s discarded boots (which are sticking out of a box) are also standing in that same form.

Figure 2 – inserts showing feet and boots

IMAGE CREDIT:  William Hogarth – A Rake’s Progress (1734) Scene 1

Another Masonic detail that is shared between these two scenes is the compass shape – such a tenant of Freemasonry.

In Scene 1 this is made by the old man’s crutches. In the tavern scene it is made by the Rake’s sword and sheath.

The symbolism of the compass ‘encompassing one’s passions’ was a popular Masonic phrase, and was always represented by the sign of the compass.

This message was so common that we see the design painted on a teapot.

Figure 3 – Crutches in Scene 1

IMAGE CREDIT:  William Hogarth – A Rake’s Progress (1734) Scene 1

Hogarth incorporates this concept marvellously within his narrative.

The old man’s compasses (scene 1) do not open widely because he was a miser and did not enjoy his life to the full.

The compasses associated with the Rake (scene 3) are fully extended because the Rake lives vicariously.

It matches his wide spread legs (the original ‘manspreading’!)

Indeed, the rake’s compasses actually encloses several items that are symbolic of his wayward lifestyle – a smashed liquor glass, a box of syphilis pills and evidence that the Rake was in a fight with the night guard – all harbingers of his impending downfall.

Figure 4 – A Rake’s Progress (1734) Scene 3

IMAGE CREDIT:  William Hogarth – A Rake’s Progress (1734) Scene 3

When we take a look at the full print we might notice another compass shape formed from the legs of the prostitute who is undressing for the Rake.

She will dance over the polished ‘posture tray’ that is being brought in by the man with the phallic candle and a huge bulge under his overcoat!

Between her legs we find the most curious and clever of all Hogarth’s Masonic inclusions.

She is pointing, with both hands, to a chicken which has been stabbed in the breast with a two pronged fork.

I include a line from an exposé of the time that will make you see the Masonic connection.

‘After one comes in at the door … the open compasses pointed to his breast.’

– The Mason’s Confession (1727)

You can imagine Hogarth wondering how he was going to represent these words with something that you might find in a Tavern.

What else pricks a naked breast like a compass? Hogarth’s solution was to draw a two-tined fork stabbed into the left breast of a chicken.

This one detail has generated so much commentary over the years. For centuries, millions have been disgusted by the image of a whole uneaten chicken sitting in a pool of effluent unaware of its brilliant Masonic message.

Figure 5 – Chicken and chamber pot G.

IMAGE CREDIT:  William Hogarth – A Rake’s Progress (1734) Scene 3

The chamber pot in question is another brilliantly concealed Masonic symbol – the letter ‘G’ (for Geometry).

Notice how the handle has been manipulated to form the lower part of the letter.

The flow of urine has not been drawn in at the top of the pot (note my red circle).

A liquid could not flow in this manner, but it makes the letter more recognizable, and is proof of Hogarth’s intentions.

The reason that Hogarth featured the most revered of all symbols in this disrespectful fashion takes me a whole book to explain – William Hogarth – A Freemasons Harlot, 2017.

With these few details, I hope you get the picture that Hogarth’ second series was just as Masonic as his first.

While A Harlot Reveals All, the Rake has certainly Exposed Himself!

In next month’s final article post (#12), I will give a glimpse of the many other Masonic details within these two series.

If this article was called A Harlot Reveals All the next would be A Rake Exposes Himself!

I cover all the scenes in my upcoming eBook which will expand upon these lectures and show many more Masonic symbolism within these prints.

Plus, I will show how Hogarth continued this love of Masonic symbolism right through his career.