It's All in the Detail - A Rake's Progess (Scene 6)

The Gaming House

It's the beginning of the end for Tom Rakewell, and a chance for Hogarth to deliver a harsh satire on gambling addiction. Tom has just lost his second fortune at the gaming table, and is directing his rage to the heavens. His wig lies on the floor next to him, as if he has just thrown it off. This could represent his loss of status. On the table behind him is the fortune out of his reach, rapidly changing hands between the other gamblers.

Tom is positioned between two others who have lost and are resorting to extremes: stealing and borrowing.

On the right is a highwayman sitting by the fireplace. This is implied by his attire (a riding cloak and boots rather than shoes), along with the mask and pistol protruding from his coat pocket. He's looking dejected, possibly contemplating another robbery to fund his gambling habit. Which carries the risk of arrest and most certainly a trip to the gallows.

On the left is a nobleman who has also lost. He is brokering a loan with a moneylender to keep playing. The entry in the ledger identifies him as "Lord Cogg".

At the gaming table, two other gamblers seem to be cursing their losses, another two are collecting their winnings, and two more seem to be having a dispute (which may involve swords). Only the croupiers and the watchman at the door are aware that a fire is breaking out. This all fits Hogarth's narrative about the dangers of gambling addiction.