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The Fashions of the Day – or Time Past and Time Present: The Year (1740) a Lady's Full Dress of Bombazeen – The Year (1808) Lady's Undress of Bum-be-seen

Publisher William McCleary Irish
ca. 1808
Not on view
An Irish publisher pirated this print from a design issued in London. Title and image contrast contemporary taste for revealing classically inspired frocks with more modest historical styles. Low-necked, high-waisted dresses made of nearly translucent white muslin became fashionable in France in the late 1790s, were introduced to Britain shortly afterward, and held sway through the early Regency period. Since these frocks were often worn over minimal undergarments, the form of the wearer’s body could be revealed by sunlight, wind, or rain–to the delight of satirical printmakers. Here, a well-covered lady from 1740 wears a gown made out of bombazine (a sturdy twilled fabric) over stiff stays. She is startled to encounter a young woman from 1808 whose derriere is displayed through her gown as the result of simply standing in a strong light.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Fashions of the Day – or Time Past and Time Present: The Year (1740) a Lady's Full Dress of Bombazeen – The Year (1808) Lady's Undress of Bum-be-seen
  • Artist: Anonymous, Irish, 19th century
  • Artist: After George Murgatroyd Woodward (British, 1765–1809 London)
  • Publisher: William McCleary (Irish (active Dublin), 1799–1820)
  • Published in: Dublin
  • Date: ca. 1808
  • Medium: Hand-colored etching
  • Dimensions: Plate: 8 11/16 x 12 15/16 in. (22 x 32.8 cm)
    Sheet: 10 x 14 1/8 in. (25.4 x 35.9 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Harry G. Friedman Bequest, 1967
  • Object Number: 67.539.67
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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