Pamela in the bedroom with Mrs Jewkes and Mr. B [Pamela, Plate 7]

Date1745

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

Engraver L. Truchy

MediumLine engraving and etching on laid paper

DimensionsOverall: 12 3/8 × 16 3/8 in (31.43 × 41.59cm) (includes false margins)
Other (Platemark): 11 3/4 × 14 7/8 in (29.84 × 37.78cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1968-280,7

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "Jos. Highmore inv. et pinx./ L. Truchy sculp./ Pamela undressing herself (M.rs Jewkes being first got to bed)/ while M.r B. disguised in the maids chlothes, with the apron thrown/ over his face, is impatiently waiting for the execution of his plot./ Pamela se deshabille, Mad.me Jewkes etant deja couchee; tandis que/ M.r B. deguise sous les habits de la servante, et la tablier sur le visage,/ attend avec impatience le moment d'executer son dessein./ Published, according to Act of Parliament, July 1.st 1745."
Label TextThis is part seven 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 seventh scene, after refusing to marry Mr. B because of her low station in life, he dresses as one of the servants and assaults Pamela in the bedchamber she shares with Mrs. Jewkes. The inscription reads: "Pamela undressing herself (M.rs Jewkes being first got to bed) while M.r B. disguised in the maids chlothes, with the apron thrown over his face, is impatiently waiting for the execution of his plot."ProvenanceBefore 1968, Frank Partridge & Sons, Ltd. (London, England); 1968-present, purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)