The Sailor's Orphans, or the Young Ladies' Subscription
Bigg depicts a group of girls and young women who offer money and clothing to a sailor’s orphaned family. The latter’s need is demonstrated by a bare hearth, anxious expressions, and the fact that an older woman heads the family, which suggests that the children have lost both parents. The visitors at right are, by contrast, well dressed and cheerful. Dated 1800, this print responds to hardships suffered in Britain as a result of its extended war with France, including the central role the Royal Navy played in defending against a threatened Napoleonic invasion.
Artwork Details
- Title: The Sailor's Orphans, or the Young Ladies' Subscription
- Engraver: William Ward (British, London 1766–1826 London)
- Artist: After William Redmore Bigg (British, Felsted, Essex 1755–1828 London)
- Publisher: William Redmore Bigg (British, Felsted, Essex 1755–1828 London) (London)
- Date: June 1, 1800
- Medium: Hand-colored mezzotint
- Dimensions: image: 18 x 23 11/16 in. (45.7 x 60.2 cm)
plate: 18 15/16 x 23 3/4 in. (48.1 x 60.3 cm)
sheet: 19 7/8 x 25 3/8 in. (50.5 x 64.5 cm) - Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Gift of Ephraim Levy, 1912
- Object Number: 12.86.2
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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