The Rake's Progress, Plate 3

This chaotic scene is set in the notorious Rose Tavern, a brothel in Covent Garden. In The Harlot’s Progress, Hogarth sets several scenes in Covent Garden, which was known for its brothels in the 18th century.

Tom is drunk, disheveled, and indiscreet, as he carouses with prostitutes into the wee hours of the morning. His fashionable new lifestyle also comes with fashionable vices.

Portraits of ancient Roman emperors—like Augustus and Vespasian—hang on the wall behind this rowdy group. The absurd juxtaposition between these portraits and Tom Rakewell’s company would not have been lost on contemporary audiences. However, all but one of the portraits have been destroyed; a portrait of the despotic Roman Emperor Nero appears to be watching over this scene.