The Ladies Disaster

Date1771

Engraver James Caldwell

After work by John Collet (1725?-1780)

Publisher Robert Sayer (1725-1794)

OriginEngland, London

MediumHand colored line engraving.

DimensionsOH: 16 7/8" x OW: 1/4"; plate: H: 14 1/4" x W: 10 3/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1953-203

DescriptionLower margin: "J.s Caldwall sculp/ Engrav'd from an Original Picture Painted by M.r Jn,o Collet./ London. Printed for J. Smith N.o 35 Cheapside & R. Sayer N.o 53 in Fleet Street, as the Act directs 2 April 1771."Label TextA windy day on a village street is shown. A young lady has her hat, cap and wig carried by the wind. Her skirt and petticoats are also being raised considerably above the ankle. Her young male escort is seen just behind laughing at her predicament while trying to push down her skirts. She reaches for her head, but much too late. Two other young woman stand towards the rear also amused by this. A dog is also running along nipping at her bare ankle.ProvenanceBefore 1953, the Old Print Shop (New York, NY); 1953-present, purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).