Tales of wonder! This attempt to describe the effects of the sublime & wonderful is dedicated to M.G. Lewis Esqr. MP
Etch. Wm. Brocas
[graphic]
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| Summary: | Etching attributed to William Brocas Senior [see BM Satires 9932.A] after a print by James Gillray published by Hannah Humphrey on 1 February 1802. This print lettered above image, "This attempt to describe the effects of the Sublime & Wonderful is dedicated to M. G. Lewis Esdr. MP"; and below with title, artist's name and publication line 'Etcd Wm Brocas/Publish'd by J. Sidebotham 24 Lowr Sackville Street.' Three elaborately dressed women are seated at a round table listening intently to a fourth reading "The Monk" by Matthew Gregory Lewis, one volume of which is shown on the table. The mantlepiece has a relief carving of Pluto carrying off Persephone and hanging on the wall directly behind an older woman is a framed picture depicting a man in armour carrying off a protesting young woman. The reader is elegantly dressed and sits in profile, her elbows on the table; from an ornamental clasp at her waist hangs a fob watch, showing that the time is 12.45; a younger women, clearly enthralled by what she hears, faces her. The room is lit by a single candle on the table; beside it lie smoking candle snuffers in a tray. Curtains are draped across the window, while at right, a smoking fire burns in the grate. Above this on the chimney-piece are grotesque ornaments - a Gorgon appears to be looking down on the women, there is a small skeleton from which snakes emerge and a dragon. "Tales of wonder" by Lewis was published in 1801 and "The Monk", which narrowly escaped prosecution for indecency, is, it is implied, thrilling but somewhat unsuitable for family reading. |
| Format: | Prints & Drawings |
| Language: | English |
| Published / Created: |
[Dublin] :
Publish'd by J. Sidebotham, 24 Lower Sackville Street
[n.d., ca. 1802?].
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| Notes: | Physical description: 1 print : hand coloured etching, 27 x 41.5 cm., cropped within plate mark. Citations/References: Butler, P. Brocas collection p. 112 more |
