A lady sits in back view before a tall pier-glass, twisting a piece of drapery round her head. Two young women (right) hold up festoons of the immensely long drapery, the end of which trails across the floor and is worried by a small dog, shaved in the french manner. The glass is surmounted by an earl's coronet and decorated by triple ostrich plumes, suggesting that the lady, who wears a loose wrapper, may be lady jersey. The mirror is lit by two candles. Through a window (right) is a crescent moon, sinking into clouds. The second attendant wears a hat, suggesting that she is a milliner. Both are dressed in the short-waisted fashion of the day (cf. Bmsat 8571). An elaborate bowl of flowers stands on a pedestal or small ornate table. A patterned carpet covers the floor. 30 june 1795
hand-coloured etching. Date: 1795. Dimensions: Height: 246 mm; Width: 348 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Frances Villiers, Countess of Jersey. Collection: British Museum. A lady putting on her cap, -June 1795 (BM 1868,0808.6452)
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