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A Cognocenti Contemplating Ye Beauties of Ye Antique, published by Hannah Humphrey
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A Cognocenti Contemplating Ye Beauties of Ye Antique, published by Hannah Humphrey
XCF306001 A Cognocenti Contemplating Ye Beauties of Ye Antique, published by Hannah Humphrey, 1801 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sir William Hamilton (1730-1803), Connoisseur, archaeologist and diplomat, surrounded by works of art that refer to the well-known affair between his wife Emma Hamilton and Lord Nelson; Hamilton studies a damaged bust of Lais, the beautiful mistress of the philosopher Aristippus of Cyrene; ); English, out of copyright
Media ID 12840898
© www.bridgemanart.com
Adultery Antiquarian Antiques Collector Cuckold Medallion Mockery Peering Scholar Social Satire Spectacles Stooped Eye Glasses Myopic
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A Cognocenti Contemplating Ye Beauties of Ye Antique
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating print that takes us back to the early 19th century. Created by James Gillray and published by Hannah Humphrey in 1801, this hand-coloured etching offers a humorous and satirical glimpse into the world of Sir William Hamilton. In this scene, we find Sir William Hamilton, a renowned connoisseur, archaeologist, and diplomat. Surrounded by various works of art, he appears stooped over as he studies a damaged bust of Lais - the famous mistress of philosopher Aristippus of Cyrene. The choice of artwork alludes to the scandalous affair between his wife Emma Hamilton and Lord Nelson. With his eye glasses perched on his nose, Sir William's myopic gaze reveals both his scholarly dedication and perhaps an element of cuckoldry. This caricature captures not only his passion for collecting antiquities but also hints at the complexities within his personal life. The artist skillfully combines elements from classical art with social satire to create a thought-provoking image. Through clever mockery and peering eyes hidden behind spectacles, Gillray invites viewers to contemplate themes such as adultery, archaeological finds, and male vanity. This print serves as both an entertaining piece of visual storytelling and a reflection on human nature through history. It reminds us that even esteemed figures like Sir William Hamilton were not immune to scandal or societal commentary.
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