The Old Print Shop

An Old Maid on a Journey.

  • ARTIST: James Gillray

  • PUBLISHER: London, Published by John Miller, Bridge Street & W. Blackwood, Edinburgh.

  • MEDIUM: Etching, handcolored,

    DATE: c.1804.

  • EDITION SIZE: Image size 6 3/16 x 8 15/16" (15.6 x 22.8 cm).

  • DESCRIPTION: This satirical image is said to be attributed to Sarah Sophia Banks (1744 - 1818), a collector of art, coins and other objects in England. The British Museum, however, notes that this belief is likely untrue because Ms. Banks was too important a client for the artist.<br><br> In the image an ugly, overweight woman in a riding habit walks with a procession of servants behind her. A pompous expression plays upon her features. She carries her lap dog and fan as an equally overweight mad welcomes her into the "The Ram" room. Behind her servants carry goods, furniture and a bird cage. The grotesque servant whistles at the bird in a cartoon like fashion, unaware of the cat trying to eat his lady's pet.

  • ADDITIONAL INFO:

  • CONDITION: Good condition with period handcolor.

  • REFERENCE: