Pamela fainitng [Pamela, Plate 3]

Date1745

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

Engraver Antoine Benoist 1721 - 1770

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 number1968-280,3

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "Jos. Highmore pinxit./ A. Benoist sculpsit./ Pamela swooning, after having discovered M.r B. in the/ closet. He (frighted) endeavoring to recover her. M.rs Jervis/ wringing her hands, and screaming./ Pamela evanouie, apres avoir decouvert M.r B. dans le/ cabinet/ Lui, effraye, tache de la faire revenir; tandis que/ Mad.me Jervis, joignant les mains, jette des cris./ Published, according to Act of Parliament, July 1.st 1745."Label TextThis is part three 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. 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 the third scene, Mr. B startles Pamela, who faints, after he is revealed to be hiding in her closet. Mrs. Jervis, the housekeeper and Pamela's friend, is distraight. The caption reads: "Pamela swooning, after having discovered M.r B. in the closet. He (frighted) endeavoring to recover her. M.rs Jervis wringing her hands, and screaming."ProvenanceBefore 1968, Frank Partridge & Sons, Ltd. (London, England); 1968-present, purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)