Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Object of the Day, Museum Edition: "A Lump of Innocence," 1809

"A Lump of Innocence"
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
via The Royal Collection Trust
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II


Really, Gentlemen, if you gaze upon me in this manner you will put me quite to the blush!"



Properly entitled, "A Lump of Innocence," this hand-colored etching by the celebrated Thomas Rowlandson (1757-1827) is dated 30 Sep 1809.  Depicting a rather amply-proportioned woman, the print shows the central figure coyly looking down as she asserts her innocence in any flirtations which might have arisen around her.  Her attire and the objects around her bely her proclamation. She wears gaudy, flashy jewellery and a golden headband,  Meanwhile, she holds a glass of brandy in her right hand as a bottle of brandy stands on the table to her right. Clearly, she has meant to attract a bit of attention.

The print is inscribed in the plate:

109 / Woodward Del. / Price One Shilling coloured / Rowlandson fe / London Pubd/ September 30th 1809 by Thos Tegg No.111 Cheapside

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