MAY. MAI.

Dateca. 1780

After work by Robert Dighton (1752-1814)

Publisher Carington Bowles (1724 - 1793)

OriginEngland, London

MediumMezzotint engraving on laid paper

DimensionsOH: 14 1/4" x OW: 11"; Plate H: 13 7/8" x W: 9 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1972-177,5

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "MAY./ MAI./ R. Dighton del./ Printed for & Sold by Carington Bowles,/ N.o 69 in S.t Pauls Church Yard, London./ Published as the Act directs, 530"
Label TextThis print, representing the month of May, is part of a set of twelve prints representing the months of the year. Themed sets, such as this were popular throughout the eighteenth-century in England and America. An elegantly dressed woman leans against an open window watching groups of revelers dance around a Maypole. Both windows are open, suggesting it is a nice day. She holds a book in her hand. Her cloak hangs on a cloakpin on the left-hand side of the window. Cloakpins were also used to tied back curtains. In the background, the triple-sash window is open to the outdoors.