THE PREPOSTEROUS HEAD DRESS, or the FEATHERED LADY

Date1776

Maker Matthew Darly ca. 1720 - 1780

MediumBlack and white line engraving with period color

DimensionsPlate: OH: 13 1/4" x OW: 9 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1941-12

DescriptionLower margin reads: "THE PREPOSTEROUS HEAD DRESS, or the FEATHERED LADY/ Pub. by M Darly. 39 Strand March 20. 1776."Label TextA lady is seated at her dressing table, having her elaborate exceedingly high hair dressed. Her hairdresser is standing on a stool while putting even taller feathers into this arrangement. Her maid stands beside the table holding the box filled with more decorations (vegetables) for this coiffeur. It is interesting to note that the dressing table and mirror are drapped and that many boxes appear on it. Two portraits are on the walls. The maid also wears an exaggerated hair arrangement.ProvenanceBefore 1941, Mrs. J. B. Taliaferro Antiques (Clarksville, VA); 1941-present, purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).