Details
Creator Clay, Edward Williams, 1799-1857, etcher.
Contributor Simpson, William, publisher.
Title Life in Philadelphia. Fancy ball. [graphic] / [Clay], fecit.
Publisher Philadelphia: Published by W. Simpson, No. 66 Chestnut St
Publisher PA. Philadelphia. 1829
Date 1829
Physical Description 1 print: hand-colored etching; 19 x 15 cm (7.25 x 5.75 in.)
Description Social caricature showing a white man-woman couple in costume at a Philadelphia ball. The man, in the left, his head slightly turned to the right, wears a costume reminiscent of the 16th century. He is attired in red and blue striped ballooned knickers, a green brocade jacket with a red sash and cape, white ruffle collar, and a blue cap adorned with white ostrich feathers in the front. The woman, in the right and looking toward her left, is dressed in a pastorial attire. She wears a flat yellow head piece with red and blue bows on top, a white shirt with a low décolleté neckline and puff sleeves beneath a black corset, and a blue skirt with yellow trim underneath a white apron adorned with bows and a floral border. Scene also includes men and women attendees standing behind the couple.
Notes Title from print.
Date from print.
Inscribed: Plate 10.
The symbol of a key is used in place of the name Clay.
William Simpson was a Philadelphia "fancy store" proprietor who published the first 11 prints of the "Life in Philadelphia" series. He also marketed the series as part of his "Artists' Repository" and possibly helped finance the cost of production.
RVCDC
Description revised 2021.
Access points revised 2021.
Subject Balls (Parties) -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Clothing & dress -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Couples -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Men -- Clothing & dress -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Women -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Women -- Clothing & dress -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Genre Caricatures -- 1820-1830.
Etchings -- Hand-colored -- 1820-1830.
Printer Simpson, William, publisher.
Location Library Company of Philadelphia| Print Department| Life in Philadelphia (Philadelphia Set) [P.9693]
Accession number P.9693