The Sailor's Orphans, or the Young Ladies' Subscription

William Redmore Bigg|William Redmore Bigg|William Ward

June 1, 1800 · Hand-colored mezzotint · Drawings and Prints

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.

Artist

William Redmore Bigg|William Redmore Bigg|William Ward

Date

June 1, 1800

Medium

Hand-colored mezzotint

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Gift of Ephraim Levy, 1912