Fawning Collection

Caricature of macaroni fashions of the late 18th century, man in high wig looking at a reflection in a mirror
FLO4717964 Caricature of macaroni fashions of the late 18th century, man in high wig looking at a reflection in a mirror, while a fawning barber trims a wig

The Prince at Grass and The Prince in Clover, published by S.W. Fores in 1787 (hand-coloured etching)
NCO193109 The Prince at Grass and The Prince in Clover, published by S.W. Fores in 1787 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College

Kissing Hands, published 1827 (colour litho)
STC204389 Kissing Hands, published 1827 (colour litho) by Heath, William (1795-1840); Private Collection; (add.info.: ridiculing British politicians sucking up to Caroline of Brunswick (1768-1821)

The Presentation, or Wise Mens Offering, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1796
NCO190493 The Presentation, or Wise Mens Offering, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1796 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College

Farmer Giles and his Wife showing off their daughter Betty to their neighbours on her
NCO189764 Farmer Giles and his Wife showing off their daughter Betty to their neighbours on her return from school, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1809 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray

The man who won the lottery... I have arrived"
The man who won the lottery... " I have arrived" and the ladies swarm around delighted! Date: circa 1908

Source Size = 2613 x 4624
Shylock, speaking of Antonio: " How like a fawning publican he looks." Act I. Scene 3. MR. HENRY IRVING AS SHYLOCK, IN " THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, " AT THE LYCEUM THEATRE, LONDON

The obsequious civility, illustration from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
XJF466206 The obsequious civility, illustration from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, edition published in 1894 (engraving) by Thomson

A bedchamber in the Lords house, Induction, Scene II, from The Taming of the Shrew
KW323350 A bedchamber in the Lords house, Induction, Scene II, from The Taming of the Shrew, from The Boydell Shakespeare Gallery, published late 19th century (litho) by Smirke

The Trousseau 1909
The Trousseau: A happy blonde bride to be shows off her wedding dress to some female friends before the big day. A jealous lady in green views it critically

Book Given to Charles 7
CHARLES VII, KING OF FRANCE A Dominican monk presenting his book to the king who is surrounded by courtiers and royal hangers-on

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"Fawning: A Historical Glimpse into Flattery and Adulation" In the late 18th century, S. W. Fores unveiled a series of captivating etchings that shed light on the art of fawning. Among them were "The Prince at Grass" and "The Prince in Clover, " which depicted individuals shamelessly ingratiating themselves to those in power. These hand-coloured etchings offered a satirical commentary on sycophantic behavior that remains relevant even today. Fast forward to 1827 when "Kissing Hands, " a vibrant lithograph, was published. This artwork showcased the act of kissing hands as an exaggerated display of obsequiousness towards authority figures. The image served as a reminder that flattery often knows no bounds. Hannah Humphrey's publication from 1796, titled "The Presentation, or Wise Mens Offering, " portrayed another facet – the desire for recognition and validation from esteemed individuals. It highlighted how some would go to great lengths to be noticed by those they admired. Moving beyond visual representations, we encounter Farmer Giles and his Wife proudly presenting their daughter Betty to their neighbors in an attempt to showcase their social status. This scene captured both pride and fawning simultaneously, revealing how people sometimes use others' achievements as a means for personal gain. "The man who won the lottery. . I have arrived. " exclaimed one fortunate individual who suddenly found himself thrust into wealth and fame overnight. His proclamation illustrated how newfound success can attract hordes of opportunistic flatterers seeking favors or financial gain. Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice also delved into this theme through an illustration aptly named "The Obsequious Civility. " In it, Austen masterfully explored the delicate dance between genuine admiration and insincere compliments within high society circles.