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C1821
The Short and the Long of it.
Artist:
William McCleary
Irish issue of George Humphrey’s carcicature of Caroline of Brunswick, who was Queen of the United Kingdom, wife of King George IV from 29 January 1820 until her death in 1821. The Queen, short and grotesque but not burlesqued, takes … Read Full Description
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Details
Full Title:
The Short and the Long of it.
Date:
C1821
Artist:
William McCleary
Condition:
In good condition, on blue backing.
Technique:
Etching with original hand colouring
Image Size:
160mm
x 270mm
AUTHENTICITY
Genuine antique
dated:
1821
Description:
Irish issue of George Humphrey’s carcicature of Caroline of Brunswick, who was Queen of the United Kingdom, wife of King George IV from 29 January 1820 until her death in 1821.
The Queen, short and grotesque but not burlesqued, takes Bergami’s left arm, looking up at him amorously; he looks down complacently at her. He is tall, handsome, florid, with much curling black hair, moustache and whiskers, and wears three orders (see No. 13810); a miniature of the Queen hangs from his neck (see No. 13858). His much-braided (blue) tunic and white trousers embroidered with red mould his stalwart figure. She holds a pagoda-shaped parasol, wears an absurd hat of Lancer type, a décolletée over-dress open from the high waist to show frilled drawers or trousers. From her neck dangles a large miniature of Bergami. The pair are watched by a man and woman, Italian witnesses (see No. 13762, &c.), who register astonishment in the middle distance. In the background is the Villa d’Este, on the shore of Lake Como. Below the title: ‘Sure such a pair were never formed to meet by Nature’ [adapted from Sheridan’s ‘Duenna’, cf. No. 13131]. Cf. No. 14183. The plate is a companion to No. 14109, and is depicted in No. 14206.
1 January 1821
Hand-coloured etching
Collections:
British Museum 14103 (G.Humphrey issue)
Biography:
William McCleary
McCleary began trading from premises located at 31 Lower Ormond Quay in 1791 and by 1798 his business had become sufficiently successful to allow him to move to a larger shop located on Nassau Street. The street, which overlooked College Green, was one of Dublin’s most fashionable shopping areas and home to several shops selling luxury goods such as jewellery, fine clothing and confectionary.
