A Rake's Progress: pl.6

William Hogarth

National Gallery of Art

The image depicts a scene within a room with several men engaged in different activities. Most of the men are shown from the waist up. They are seated or standing around tables, raising their arms, holding objects, such as a lantern or a piece of paper. The men have a variety of expressions and hairstyles typical of the period, with many wearing wigs or styled hair. They are dressed in historical clothing like suits with long coats, waistcoats, and knee-length socks detailed with buttons and lace. Some wear hats, including tricorn styles. The men hold various objects like a pen, a lantern, cards, and possible gambling counters. The room has sconces on the walls, a man with a staff in the background, and a caged area that may be a service counter. A dog is also present in the scene.