Image not available
James Gillray
1756-1815
A vestal of -93 trying on the cestus of Venus / Js. Gy. desn. et fect.
[London] : Pubd. April 29th 1793 by H. Humphrey, No. 18 Old Bond Street, [1793]
etching and aquatint, hand colored
image: 256 x 359 mm; plate mark: 309 x 374 mm; sheet: 375 x 493 mm
Bequest of Gordon N. Ray, 1987.
1986.391
Notes
Below caption 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.
At foot of print: Engrav'd from a Basso-relievo, lately found upon some fragments of Antiquity.
A later state of this etching has the artist's name removed and the features of the central figure altered to resemble those of Lady Cecilia Johnston, the intended subject of Gillray's caricature.
At foot of print: Engrav'd from a Basso-relievo, lately found upon some fragments of Antiquity.
A later state of this etching has the artist's name removed and the features of the central figure altered to resemble those of Lady Cecilia Johnston, the intended subject of Gillray's caricature.
Provenance
From the library of Gordon N. Ray.
Summary
Print shows three cherubs attending the toilet of an aged hag; the cestus of Venus is a huge stomache 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]'. 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.
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
Catalog link