1797

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

BEAUTY AND FASHION

383
Publish'd 24th Jany 1797, by Laurie & Whittle, 53, Fleet Street, London.

Two young women sit facing each other by a square table as they sew. The woman left is more plainly dressed than the other with a simple gown and cap, and she may be a milliner. She sews a large feather onto one hat, while another hat, with feather and veil, occupies a stand on the table. Both wear high-waisted regency dresses, but the woman to the right appears dressed more for going out with her patterned gown and velvet hat with ribbon and feathers. On the table lies fabric and ribbon, pins and needles, and scissors.

32.5 x 25.2 cm.
Lewis Walpole Library (954.5.7.1)

THE PRODIGAL SON--TAKING LEAVE OF HIS FATHER

240
Published 12th April 1797, by Laurie & Whittle, 53 Fleet Street, London (Plate 1)

In the central group of three, the son in flat black hat and neck scarf (r.), dressed to leave, clasps the hands of his father (c.) and mother (l.). His mother raises a kerchief to her eye with her left hand to wipe away a tear. Another figure peers over the father's shoulder and another, perhaps the brother, turns away bereft. Behind the son to the right a servant exits through the door. The passage below reads "He gathered all together, and took his Journey into a far Country. St. Luke Ch. 15 V. 13."

Cat: D'Oench (1995), p. 37.

THE PRODIGAL SON--REVELLING WITH HARLOTS

Published 12th April 1797 by Laurie & Whittle, 53 Fleet Street, London (Plate 2)

The son sits at table in a bar or brothel between two women. All three raise their glasses as if toasting. On the table rests two decanters, grapes, and other fruit. The subtext reads, "He wasted his Substance with Riotous Living. St. Luke Ch 15 V 13.

Cat: D'Oench (1995), p. 37.

THE PRODIGAL SON--IN MISERY

Published 12th April 1797 by Laurie & Whittle, 53 Fleet Street, London (Plate 3)

The son (r.) sits dejected, his head resting on his hand. His clothes are tattered and his toes break through his boot. Two pigs (l.) wallow in the yard and corn husks lie scattered at the boy's feet. Behind (l.) is a tree that with a fence and grove (r.) frames a road running off in the distance. The text reads, "He would fain have filled his Belly with the Husks that Swine did eat. St. Luke Ch 15 V 16."

Cat: D'Oench (1995), p. 37.

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

THE PRODIGAL SON--RETURNED HOME RECLAIMED

Published 12th April 1797 by Laurie & Whittle, 53 Fleet Street, London (Plate 4)

The father (c.) receives the son, his arm around his shoulders, clasping his hand and turning to the mother. A servant kneels at their feet extending a shoe to cover the son's bare toes. The brother or another servant come in behind the son (r.) carrying a coat. The text reads, "Father I have Sinned against Heaven & in thy Sight, & am no more worthy to be called thy Son. St. Luke Ch 15 V. 21."

Cat: D'Oench (1995), p. 37.

15.3 x 11.7 cm.
Lewis Walpole Library (797.4.12.1-4)