1-147-852 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

'The Harlot's Progress', 1733. Sixth and final plate in William Hogarth's series 'The Harlot's Progress'. Moll Hackabout, the harlot who has died of venereal disease, lies in her coffin, surrounded by self-interested mourners. The parson gropes the woman next to him as his drink spills. Sir William Beckford (1709-1770) bought the original paintings which were destroyed in the fire at his house at Fonthill Gifford, Wiltshire, in 1755.