Enough to Make an Angel Swear, or–Real Birds Plucking the Sham

ca. 1828

Not on view

Robert Seymour here imitates the style of contemporary satires by William Heath in a work that comments on the vogue for feathers used in women's fashion. A pink, feather-covered gown worn by a distressed belle has attracted angry birds in the foreground, while a similarly dressed figure flees towards a house in the background, pursued by a second flock. This print anticipates conservationist efforts later in the century which encouraged a boycott of exotic feathers as decoration for women's hats, since their use was encouraging the extinction of many bird species.

Artwork Details

Title: Enough to Make an Angel Swear, or–Real Birds Plucking the Sham
Artist: Robert Seymour (British, Somerset 1798–1836 London)
Publisher: Thomas McLean (British, 1788–1875)
Date: ca. 1828
Medium: Hand-colored etching
Dimensions: Plate: 13 9/16 × 9 3/4 in. (34.5 × 24.7 cm)
Sheet: 16 1/2 in. × 11 in. (41.9 × 27.9 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Gift of Jill Spalding, 2022
Object Number: 2022.309.29
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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