The design resembles high relief or even a group modelled in the round, though beneath the title is etched: 'engrav'd from a basso-relievo, lately found upon some fragments of antiquity'. Three amoretti attend the toilet of an aged hag; the cestus of venus is a huge pad which one (left) ties round her waist, and another supports. A third (right) holds up an oval mirror which reflects the monstrous curve of the pad. She wears a small grotesque straw hat, from which hangs drapery reaching to the ground, with stays and under-petticoat; from a pocket protrudes 'ovid art [of love]'. She crouches in profile to the right, her hands raised delightedly. Cupid, who ties the girdle, has a quiver of arrows which hangs reversed; his bow and arrow lie beside him. Behind (right) is an overturned altar of venus, the fire still burning. Beneath the title:
'"upon her fragrant breast the zone was brac'd;
in it was ev'ry art, and ev'ry charm
to win the wisest, and the coldest warm. ' 29 april 1793
hand-coloured etching and aquatint. Date: 1793. Dimensions: Height: 310 mm; Width: 377 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Lady Cecilia Johnston. Collection: British Museum. A vestal of -93, trying on the cestus of Venus (BM J,3.75 1)
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