Accession number
PML 146857.76
Creator
Sayers, James, 1748-1823.
Published
[London]: : Published 29th March 1786 by T. Cornell, 1786 March 29.
Credit line
Bequest of Gordon N. Ray, 1987.
Notes
A caricature burlesquing F. Reynolds's play "Werter", adapted from Goethe's romance.
Item no. 76 of a collection of prints by James Sayers (PML 146857); formerly part of an album of mounted prints, now disbound.
Item no. 76 of a collection of prints by James Sayers (PML 146857); formerly part of an album of mounted prints, now disbound.
Description
1 print : etching ; image: 199 x 234 mm; plate mark: 205 x 240 mm; sheet: 232 x 268 mm
Inscriptions/Markings
In pencil at foot: Miss Brunton Mr. Homan [i.e. Anne Brunton and Joseph George Holman, the two original lead players in Reynolds's "Werter"].
Provenance
From the library of Gordon N. Ray.
Summary
A stage scene showing part of an empty stage box on the extreme right. The persons and objects on the stage have letters referring to an "Explanation" below the design. Werter (A) kneels before Charlotte (B), who is seated on a settee on the extreme left; he raises her petticoat with a passionate gesture as she protests with raised hands. At Werter's feet is an open copy of "Ossian". Behind (right), Albert (C), in regimentals, stands with his face to the wall, his hands clasped behind his back. Two pictures (E and E) hang on the wall representing scenes from the play. In the front of the stage (right), her back to the actors, a nude woman (F) is seated on a low step holding a pistol to each ear. She wears a hat tied under her chin and is weeping. Above her head is an urn inscribed "Sacred to Suicide" and a weeping willow. Across the top of the design is a scroll (H): "To raise the Genius and to mend the Heart".
Classification
Catalog link
Department