The Ridiculous Taste or the Ladies Absurdity

Date1768

Engraver Matthew Darly (ca. 1720 - 1780)

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.
InscribedAlong the right hand edge of image reads: 1768