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Characters in High Life, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1795 (hand-coloured etching)
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Characters in High Life, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1795 (hand-coloured etching)
NCO189771 Characters in High Life, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1795 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College, Oxford; English, out of copyright
Media ID 22601930
© Bridgeman Images
Absurd Ball Ballgown Ballroom Chandelier Exaggerated Feathers Frivolous Gown Hanoverian Miserable Plumes Ridiculous Scarf Sociable Social Satire Sullen
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This hand-coloured etching, titled "Characters in High Life" takes us back to the extravagant world of Georgian society in 1795. Created by James Gillray and published by Hannah Humphrey, this satirical print offers a humorous critique of the fashionable elite. The scene depicted is a lively ballroom filled with exaggerated characters dressed in absurdly lavish attire. The women wear elaborate ballgowns adorned with plumes, feathers, and scarves, while their headdresses reach towering heights. Their fans are held high as they dance with exaggerated movements, adding to the frivolity of the occasion. Gillray's social satire shines through as he mocks these individuals for their excessive fashion choices and superficial behavior. Despite being surrounded by opulence and entertainment, there is an underlying sense of misery among some dancers who appear sullen amidst the merriment. The attention to detail in this engraving is remarkable – from the intricate patterns on the gowns to the sparkling chandelier overhead – capturing every aspect of this extravagant event. Through his caricature style, Gillray invites viewers to reflect on societal values and question whether such extravagance truly brings happiness or merely serves as a facade. As we gaze upon this image from centuries past, it serves as a reminder that even then people were not immune to societal pressures and trends that often prioritized appearance over substance.
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