Pamela asks for Sir Jacob Swinford's blessing [Pamela, Plate 11]

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 5/8 × 14 7/8 in (29.53 × 37.78cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1968-280,11

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "Jos. Highmore inv. et pinx./ L. Truchy sculp./ Pamela asking the Blessing of S.r Jacob of Swinford, M.r B.'s Unkle, a rough old Fox-hunter, who/ after the most obstinate resolution to the contrary, relents, and becomes her great admirer. M.r B./ behind, whispering Lady Davers she now having conceived the highest esteem for her new/ Sister. The Countess, Lord Davers and his nephew being present./ Pamela demande la benediction du Che.r Jacob Swinford, Oncle de M.r B. & vieux Chasseur, qui apres/ s'etre le plus emporte contre ce mariage, devient, a la vue de la personne et de la conduite de Pamela, son grand/ admirateur. M.r B. est derriere, qui parle a l'oreille de My Lady Davers, qui avoit depuis quelque tems, concu/ pour sa belle-Soeur la plus haute estime, la Comtesse, My Lord Davers, et son Neveu etant presens./ Published, according to Act of Parliament, July 1.st 1745."Label TextThis is part eleven 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 eleventh scene, Pamela wins over Mr. B's uncle, Sir Jacob of Swinford, who eventually approves of their marriage. The group stands in a hall space. Sir Jacob described as "a rough old Fox-hunter" wears clothes for hunting and carries a whip. Lady Danvers (Mr. B's sister) also develops admiration for Pamela. The inscription reads: "Pamela asking the Blessing of S.r Jacob of Swinford, M.r B.'s Unkle, a rough old Fox-hunter, who after the most obstinate resolution to the contrary, relents, and becomes her great admirer. M.r B. behind, whispering Lady Davers she now having conceived the highest esteem for her new Sister. The Countess, Lord Davers and his nephew being present."ProvenanceBefore 1968, Frank Partridge & Sons, Ltd. (London, England); 1968-present, purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)