Pamela and Mr. B in the summer house [Pamela, Plate 2]

Date1745

After work by Joseph Highmore (ca. 1692-1780)

Engraver L. Truchy

MediumLine engraving and etching on laid paper

DimensionsOverall: 12 5/8 × 16 3/8 in (32.07 × 41.59cm) (includes false margins)
Other (Platemark): 11 3/4 × 14 7/8 in (29.84 × 37.78cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1968-280,2

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "Jos. Highmore inv. et pinx./ L. Truchy sculp./ M.r B. expostulating with Pamela in the Summer house/ after some liberties taken M.rs Jervis (who is seen through/ the Window) having just before left her./ M.r B. tache d'adoucir Pamela apres avoir pris/ quelques libertes./ Mad.me Jervis qui vient de la quitter/ est vue au travers des chassis./ Published according to Act of Parliament July 1.st 1745."Label TextThis is part two of a twelve-part series based on Samuel Richardson's highly successful epistolatory novel Pamela: Or Virtue Rewarded which was one of the most influential works of English literature of the 18th century.Samuel Richardson's highly successful epistolatory novel Pamela: Or Virtue Rewarded was one of the most influential works of English literature of the 18th century. Written in the form of letters and journal entries through the eyes of Pamela Andrews, a 15-year-old domestic servant, as she as she rejects the repeated failed seductions and attempted kidnappings by her wealthy employer, Mr. B. It's also a work of conduct literature about marriage, morality, and social class. It's heroine, Pamela navigates her low position in society and her religious training to remain "virtuous" against all odds. Between 1744 and 1745, the painter Joseph Highmore published advertisements seeking subscribers to support the publication of engravings based on his twelve paintings representing scenes from the novel. The prints were published with inscriptions in English and French to appeal to a wide audience.

In this second scene, the caption reads: "M.r B. expostulating with Pamela in the Summer house after some liberties taken M.rs Jervis (who is seen through/ the Window) having just before left her."ProvenanceBefore 1968, Frank Partridge & Sons, Ltd. (London, England); 1968-present, purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)