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1958-629,1, Print
KEEP WITHIN COMPASS
1958-629,1, Print

KEEP WITHIN COMPASS

DateAugust 16, 1785
Attributed to Robert Dighton (1752-1814)
Publisher Carington Bowles (1724 - 1793)
OriginEngland, London
MediumLine engraving with mezzotint with period hand color
DimensionsOverall: 14 1/8 × 10 1/8in. (35.9 × 25.7cm) Other (Plate): 13 7/8 × 9 7/8in. (35.2 × 25.1cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1958-629,1
DescriptionThe upper cartouche reads: "KEEP WITHIN/ COMPASS."

The circle around the central figure reads: "KEEP WITHIN COMPASS AND YOU SHALL BE SURE, TO AVOID MANY TROUBLES WHICH OTHERS ENDURE."

The lower cartouche reads: "PRUDENCE/ PRODUCETH ESTEEM."

The lower margin reads: "Published as the Act directs, 16 Aug. 1785./ Printed for & Sold by CARINGTON BOWLES,/ N.o 69 in S.t Pauls Church Yard, LONDON./ Instead of Cards my Fair-one look,/ (I beg you'll take it kind)/ Into some learned Author's Book,/ And cultivate your mind./ To drown dull thoughts which now/ (surrounds,/ She hastily applies/ The direfull Cordial to the wounds,/ Of which she quickly dies./ If lewdness once your Soul alarms,/ There's not so bad an evil,/ To prostitute those lovely charms,/ Must drive you to the Devil./ When Women once o'erstep the bounds/ Of decency and cares,/ A crowd of folly quick surrounds,/ And nought but woes she shares."

Lower left corner: "560"
Label TextAs in any time period, personal growth consisted of more than just formal education. During the eighteenth century, moralistic teachings played an increasingly dominant role. As these prints illustrate, keeping within prescribed boundaries, industriousness for men and prudence for women, were often equated with wealth and happiness.
ProvenanceOld Print Shop, Inc., New York