Pamela and Lady Danvers [Pamela, Plate 10]

Date1745

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

Engraver L. Truchy

MediumLine engraving and etching on laid paper

DimensionsOverall: 12 5/8 × 16 1/4 in (32.07 × 41.27cm) (includes false margins)
Other (Platemark): 11 3/4 × 15 in (29.84 × 38.1cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1968-280,10

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "Jos. Highmore inv. et pinx./ L. Truchy sculp./ Pamela dressed in order to meet M.r B. at S.r Simon Darnford's, is prevented by the sudden/ arrival of Lady Davers, who forcibly detains her, & loads her with the bitterest reproaches that rage/ & disdain could suggest. her Nephew is looking over M.r B.'s letter in her hand, Jewkes and the/ Lady's woman burst into the room to prevent mischeif, Colebrand is seen through y.e window./ Pemela habillee pour aller trouver M.r B. chez le Chevalier Darnford, est arretee par l'arrivee/ impreveue de My Lady Davers, qui la retient par force, et l'accable des reproches les plus piquantes/ que la colere et le mepris puissent suggerer: son Neveu lit la lettre de M.r B. que sa tante tieent a la main / Jewkes et la femme de chambre accourent au bruit. Colbrand est vu au travers des fenetres./ Published according to Act of Parliament July 1.st 1745."Label TextThis is part ten 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 tenth scene, Pamela is accosted by Mr. B's sister, Lady Danvers who disapproves of their marriage. The paneled room is furnished with a table, chairs, and carpet. The inscription reads: "Pamela dressed in order to meet M.r B. at S.r Simon Darnford's, is prevented by the sudden arrival of Lady Davers, who forcibly detains her, & loads her with the bitterest reproaches that rage & disdain could suggest. her nephew is looking over M.r B.'s letter in her hand, Jewkes and the Lady's woman burst into the room to prevent mischief, Colebrand is seen through y.e window."ProvenanceBefore 1968, Frank Partridge & Sons, Ltd. (London, England); 1968-present, purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)