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James Gillray
1756-1815
"Patience on a monument" : engraved from a modern antique in the possession of the General.
[London] : Pubd. Septr. 19th, 1791, by H. Humphrey, N. 18 Old Bond Street, [1791]
etching, hand colored
image: 291 x 208 mm; trimmed sheet: 321 x 235 mm
Bequest of Gordon N. Ray, 1987.
1986.380
Notes
By James Gillray.
Verses within the design read: "By Patience, minds an equal temper know, "Nor swell too high, nor sink too low; "Patience the fiercest grief can charm, "And fate's severest rage disarm: "Patience can soften pain to ease, "And make despair and madness please "This the divine Cecilia found, "And to her Husbands ears, confind the sound." Vide St Cecilias Day.
Verses within the design read: "By Patience, minds an equal temper know, "Nor swell too high, nor sink too low; "Patience the fiercest grief can charm, "And fate's severest rage disarm: "Patience can soften pain to ease, "And make despair and madness please "This the divine Cecilia found, "And to her Husbands ears, confind the sound." Vide St Cecilias Day.
Provenance
From the library of Gordon N. Ray.
Summary
The design simulates a pyramidal monument in bas relief against a stone wall, supported on short pilasters between which is an inscription. On the face of the pyramid Lady Cecilia Johnston, is seated on a round "close-stool". She is thin and witch-like, her chin is support by her left hand, the elbow resting on her knee. In her right hand is a torn paper inscribed 'Tranquility'. Behind the stool stands a little cupid holding his nose. On the ground are bones and two skulls which gaze at Lady Cecilia.
Associated names
Humphrey, Hannah, active 1774-1817, publisher.
Ray, Gordon N. (Gordon Norton), 1915-1986, former owner.
Ray, Gordon N. (Gordon Norton), 1915-1986, former owner.
Artist
Classification
Department
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