The Graces in a High Wind – a Scene taken from Nature in Kensington Gardens

Hannah Humphrey|James Gillray

May 28, 1810 · Hand-colored etching, engraving and aquatint · Drawings and Prints

Caught in a strong wind during a stroll in Kensington Gardens, three young women wear fashionable neo-classically inspired dresses with high waists and tight sleeves, together with straw bonnets trimmed with ribbons. The weather flattens the fabric against their bodies and leave little to the imagination. The figures are beleived to represent the daughters of Sir William Manners–Catherine, Emily and Louisa, whose poses and implied nudity, together with the title, evoke sculptures of the Three Graces (such as a Roman 2nd century A.D. example at the Met, 2010.260) while also suggesting that classically styled gowns of this type were impractical choices for England's unpredictable summer weather.

Artist

Hannah Humphrey|James Gillray

Date

May 28, 1810

Medium

Hand-colored etching, engraving and aquatint

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Gift of Jill Spalding, 2022