1789

Courtesy of the Print Collection, Lewis Walpole Library, Yale University

The Fortune Teller

P. Mercier pinxt. Robt. Laurie fecit

105
London, Printed for Robt. Sayer No. 53 Fleet Street, as the Act directs 2 Jany 1789

A young woman sits wide-eyed and intent as an older woman with spectacles and long nose and chin reads her tea cup and points to lines in her palm.

14.1 x 11.1 cm.
Lewis Walpole Library (789.1.2.1)

Courtesy of the Print Collection, Lewis Walpole Library, Yale Library

SCENE in the SCHOOL for SCANDAL

London. Printed for Robert Sayer, Map, Chart & Printseller, No. 53 Fleet Street, 7 April 1789

In this scene from the end of Act III, Charles Surface auctions off portraits of his ancestors to a portly buyer, visably displeased, who unbeknownst to Charles is his uncle just returned after years in Asia. Sir Oliver has come with the moneylender, Moses, who stands, stooping deferentially behind, with a grin on his bearded face. Moses has introduced his uncle to Charles as Mr. Premium. In the corner to the far right, Charles' friend, Careless, stands on a stripped upholstered chair where he serves as auctioneer. He gestures with the furled tapestry that he waves like a baton above his head.

33 x 24.7 cm.
Lewis Walpole Library (789.4.7.3)

Courtesy of the Print Collection, Lewis Walpole Library, Yale University

SCENE in the SCHOOL for SCANDAL

London. Printed for Robert Sayer, Map, Chart & Printseller, No. 53 Fleet Street, as the Act directs Decr 8, 1789

The inscription, "Lady Teazel! by all that's damnable," quotes Sir Peter Teazle, not quite accurately, from the end of Act IV of Sheridan's play, when the screen falls and Lady Teazle is discovered in Joseph Surface's rooms. The lady in the corner looks down aghast at the fallen screen. Sir Peter clenches his fists and scrowls at Joseph, who reaches out his hand, trying to calm Sir Peter or explain away the discovery. Beside Joseph, his brother Charles buries his mouth in his hand, hiding his laughter. The background is a bookcase with numerous volumes and two busts on top and a French window with drapes.

33 x 24.7 cm.
Lewis Walpole Library (789.12.5.1)

Courtesy of the Print Collection, Lewis Walpole Library, Yale University

Stay me with Flagons, comfort me with Apples for I am Sick of Love

137
London Printed for Robert Sayer No. 53 Fleet Street as the Act directs 17 April 1789

A young woman and gentleman dally on a couch, she leaning back against the arm, her shift loose so one breast is exposed. In her left hand she holds a wine goblet. Her right arm is around his shoulders and her legs are spread slightly with left leg raised to caress his inner thigh. He leans toward her on the couch, running his left hand along her cheek. A round tea table left holds a decanter, goblet, clusters of grapes, and two apples. At the upper left can be seen part of a painting, a rural landscape with tree and fence, and the upper right quarter is a window with drapery, patterned to match the couch.

The title is from "The Song of Solomon."

14.2 x 11.2 cm.
Lewis Walpole Library (789.4.17.1)