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A Vestal of -93 trying on the Cestus of Venus, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1793
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A Vestal of -93 trying on the Cestus of Venus, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1793
NCO190400 A Vestal of -93 trying on the Cestus of Venus, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1793 (hand-coloured etching & engraving with aquatint) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); 31.2x37.6 cm; Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College, Oxford; (add.info.: The design resembles high relief, beneath the title is etched: Engrav d from a Basso-relievo, lately found upon some fragments of Antiquity. Three amoretti attend the toilet of an aged hag; the cestus of Venus is a huge pad which one ties round her waist, and another supports. A third holds up an oval mirror which reflects the monstrous curve of the pad. She wears a small grotesque straw hat, from which hangs drapery reaching to the ground, with stays and under-petticoat; from a pocket protrudes Ovid Art [of Love]. She crouches in profile to the right, her hands raised delightedly. Cupid, who ties the girdle, has a quiver of arrows which hangs reversed; his bow and arrow lie beside him. Behind is an overturned altar of Venus, the fire still burning. Beneath the title:
" Upon her fragrant breast the Zone was brac d;
In it was ev ry art, and ev ry charm
To win the wisest, and the coldest warm. 29 April 1793
); English, out of copyright
Media ID 22931176
© Bridgeman Images
Admiring Bow And Arrow Cherubim Crone Cupid Dressing Eros Grotesque Hanoverian Hideous Mirror Putti Quiver Reflection Social Satire Ugly Vain Vanity Winged Cherub Cherubs
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This hand-coloured etching and engraving with aquatint, titled "A Vestal of -93 trying on the Cestus of Venus" was published by Hannah Humphrey in 1793. The print, created by James Gillray, measures 31.2x37.6 cm and is courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College, Oxford. The design resembles a high relief sculpture, featuring a humorous scene where a Vestal Virgin from ancient Rome tries on the mythical Cestus of Venus. Three amorini attend to her toilet while she eagerly raises her hands in delight. The Cestus, represented as a huge pad tied around her waist with support from another figure, creates an exaggerated curve reflected in an oval mirror held up by one of the amorini. The aged hag wears a small grotesque straw hat adorned with drapery that reaches down to the ground. She also dons stays and an under-petticoat while carrying Ovid's Art [of Love] protruding from her pocket. In the background lies an overturned altar dedicated to Venus, still burning with fire. Cupid appears alongside his mother's girdle but holds his quiver upside down while his bow and arrow rest beside him. Beneath this intriguing composition is etched: "Upon her fragrant breast the Zone was brac'd; In it was ev'ry art, and ev'ry charm To win the wisest, and the coldest warm". This caption adds depth to Gillray's satirical commentary on love and desire during that era. Overall, this artwork showcases Gillray's wit through intricate details and clever symbolism that continues to captivate viewers even today.
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