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La Belle Assemblee, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1787 (hand-coloured etching)
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La Belle Assemblee, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1787 (hand-coloured etching)
NCO190148 La Belle Assemblee, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1787 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); 24.8x35.1 cm; Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College, Oxford; (add.info.: Mrs Hobart pours incense on the flames; Lady Cecilia Johnston plucks at the lyre; Lady Archer with a bouquet of flowers; Miss Jefferies leads a lamb to sacrifice; ); English, out of copyright
Media ID 23224228
© Bridgeman Images
Crone Deformed Dove Extravagant Finery Garland Gown Hanoverian Hideous Hooked Nose Make Up Painted Plays Ritualistic Social Satire Society Beauty Ugly Decrepit Sacrificial Altar
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This hand-coloured etching, titled "La Belle Assemblee" takes us back to the year 1787, offering a whimsical glimpse into the world of Georgian society. Created by the renowned artist James Gillray and published by Hannah Humphrey, this print is an extravagant parody of vestal virgins. In this satirical scene, we witness a group of ladies of fashion engaging in peculiar rituals. Mrs Hobart pours incense onto the flames while Lady Cecilia Johnston plucks at her lyre with grace. Lady Archer holds a bouquet of flowers as if participating in some mysterious ceremony, and Miss Jefferies leads a lamb towards sacrifice. The women depicted here are far from conventional beauties; their exaggerated features and hideous appearances add an element of grotesque humor to the composition. With hooked noses and deformed figures, they stand before an ornate sacrificial altar adorned with garlands and doves. Gillray's keen eye for social satire shines through as he mocks the obsession with outward appearance prevalent among high society during that era. The intricate details in each figure's gown, wig, and makeup highlight their excessive finery while simultaneously emphasizing their absurdity. "La Belle Assemblee" serves as both a playful caricature and biting commentary on societal norms. Through its clever portrayal of these unconventional vestal virgins engaged in ritualistic acts, it invites viewers to question notions of beauty and conformity that were so highly valued during this period. Courtesy:
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