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Direct scan of object
The Ridiculous Taste or the Ladies Absurdity
Direct scan of object

The Ridiculous Taste or the Ladies Absurdity

Date1768
Engraver ca. 1720 - 1780
OriginEngland, London
MediumBlack and white line engraving with period color with iron gall ink
DimensionsTrimmed to platemark: 13 1/4" x 9 1/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1941-7
DescriptionLower margin reads: "[Cut off along left edge] Darly ?/ 1738 (in iron gall ink)/ [T]HE RIDICULOUS TASTE OR THE LADIES ABSURDITY/ Pub. by MDarly Mar: 25/ 1768."Label TextThis print shows a lady seated in her dressing room wrapped in a cape, with a lofty headress being arranged. Two gentlemen are doing this. One stands on a tall ladder adjusting curls, while another holds a sextant to his eye, taking observations to be sure it is sitting right.Inscription(s)Along the right hand edge of image reads: 1768ProvenanceBefore 1941, Mrs. J. B. Taliaferro Antiques (Clarksville, VA); 1941-present, purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).