Handkerchief

Dateca. 1785

MediumCotton, printed

DimensionsL(warp): 13 3/4"; W: (weft-one selvedge): 16"

Credit LineGift of Anonymous Donors

Object number1971-1442

DescriptionHandkerchief, copperplate-printed in red in a design entitled "The Several Stages of a Man's Life From the Cradle to the Coffin" with 16 rondels containing various scenes. Reading from top left to right, the scenes are illustrated and described as follows: 1) A helpless infant sleeping in the cradle, 2) What fears attend his first endeavours to walk, 3) With walking tired, he rides the wooden horse, 4) To school he goes a cheerful healthy lad, 5) Apprenticed to a draper he shuts his Master's shop, 6) Set up in trade he sells goods upon his own account, 7) Now he seeks happiness in a married state, 8) His children next engage his love, 9) As a magistrate he puts the laws in force, 10) His conduct is approved and chosen Lord Mayor, 11) Retired from business he lives a country life, 12) Afflicted with the gout he spends his days in pain, 13) Old age creeps in apace and with two sticks he walks, 14) The crutches now support his tottering frame, 15) Faintly he breaths his sight and speech are gone, 16) A breathless corpse he's in a coffin placed.
Label TextWorn and stained from years of use, this handkerchief is decorated with scenes from the life of a successful man beginning with his infancy in a cradle. As he learns to walk (top row, second circle from left), the toddler’s mother supports him with leading strings tied around the waist of his frock. The printed design follows the exemplary man through his schooling, apprenticeship, and career as a draper. His wedding is in the second row, third circle from the left. The man’s life story continues with his service as magistrate and lord mayor, old age, failing health, and eventual death.
ProvenanceEx coll: Tomlinson.