The Spruce Sportsman, or Beauty the Best Shot

Date1780

Publisher Carington Bowles (1724 - 1793)

MediumMezzotint with period color and some line engraving

DimensionsOL: 14 3/4" x 10 1/2"; plate: 13" x 9 7/8".

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1958-356

DescriptionLower margin reads: "The SPRUCE SPORTSMAN, or BEAUTY the BEST SHOT./ 388/ Printed for & Sold by CARINGTON BOWLES. at his Map & Print Warehouse, N.o 69 in S.t Pauls Church Yard, LONDON. Publish'd as the Act directs, 24 June 1780."
Label TextA woman with a very elaborate wig and a calash bonnet has just come into the drawing room. She wears a fur trimmed cape and carries a bag. She is greeted by another woman wearing an elaborate feathered hat on her curls. A fire is going in the grate and a teapot is warming on the fire. In the background a young man with a gun sits grinning at a young maid who has just come in the room. The maid is carrying a tray of tea things and is getting ready to put it down for serving.