Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
"A Harlot's Progress" Plate 1 (detail)
by Hogarth
Moll Hackabout (or Mary) is newly-arrived at
Bell Inn on Wood Street in London. Note that
Moll's face is one of innocence and her
complexion is clear and healthy. Also note
that the bawd (madam of a house of prostitution)
has a prominent patch above her left eye and
several patches on her left cheek. The prominent
patches on the bawd signify syphilis. (These are
not 'patches' of beauty or elevated social status.)