print;
satirical print
- Museum number
- 1851,0901.683
- Title
- Object: The graces of 1794.
- Description
-
Three young women display the latest fashions: one (left) in profile to the right; one full-face; one (right) in back view, turning her head in profile to the left. All wear limp high-waisted dresses, two (at least) have their breasts uncovered, all wear huge ear-rings. Two wear hats trimmed with a single erect feather; one (right) wears a hat or bonnet with two feathers and a brush-aigrette with a transparent gauze curtain-veil. The figure still projects below the (ostensible) waist, but not in the exaggerated manner of 1793 (see BMSat 8388, &c). The lady on the left holds a large fan; the centre figure wears a large watch with a bunch of many seals and trinkets dangling from her waist. 21 July 1794
Hand-coloured etching
- Production date
- 1794
- Dimensions
-
Height: 379 millimetres (printed image)
-
Width: 318 millimetres (printed image)
- $Inscriptions
-
- Curator's comments
- (Description and comment from M.Dorothy George, 'Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires in the British Museum', VII, 1942)
According to the 'Sporting Magazine', iv. 228, July 1794, 'feminine dress of the present fashion is, perhaps, the most indecent ever worn in this country. The breast is altogether displayed; and the whole drapery, by the wanton management of the wearer in throwing it behind her, is made to cling so to the figure, that nothing can be said to be completely concealed. Well may it be necessary to veil the face.' See BMSats 8521, 8567-70, 8582, 8719. Cf. BMSats 8896, 9457, &c.
- Location
- Not on display
- Exhibition history
-
2002 Jan-Mar, Newcastle, Hatton Gall, Followers of Fashion
2002 Jun-Jul, Belfast, Ulster Mus, Followers of Fashion
2002 Aug-Sep, Nottingham, Djanogly AG, Followers of Fashion
2002/3 Dec-Feb, Brighton MAG, Followers of Fashion
2003 Apr-Jun, Braintree District Mus, Followers of Fashion
- Acquisition date
- 1851
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Registration number
- 1851,0901.683
