Details
Creator Kensett, Thomas, 1786-1829, engraver.
Title The Philadelphia dandies. A group of fashionables. "Shoot folly as it flies." [graphic] / Kensett, sculp.
Publisher [London]
Publisher ENG. London. 1820-1830
Date [ca. 1820-ca. 1830]
Physical Description 1 print: hand-colored engraving; sheet 42 x 28 cm (16.5 x 11 in.)
Description Caricature lampooning "fashionable" middle-class Philadelphians depicting two scenes of “belles” being greeted. The first scene portrays a white belle, in the right, being greeted by a white dandy, in the left, who holds up a monocle in his left hand and asks, "How do you do?" They are each bent over and face each other. The dandy is attired in a white ruffled shirt, blue waistcoat, tan pants, and grey boots with spurs. He holds down a black top hat from which a cane hangs in his right hand. The belle is attired in a large green bonnet that curves at the back of her head and that is adorned with feathers and a ribbon, a pink, long-sleeved, knee-length, belle-shaped dress, and boots. She holds a green umbrella up in her right hand toward the raised arm of the dandy and the back of her dress has risen up. A pug-like jumps up and barks at her from behind. She responds that she is “rather cold.” The second scene depicts a white belle being greeted by a "fashionable" white woman and girl whose hand she holds. The women and girl are all similarly attired in large bonnets adorned with flowers, long-sleeved, high waisted, calf-length dresses in pink or green, and boots or ankle-laced shoes. They are also portrayed with stooped postures and accentuated posteriors. The woman with the child also holds a pink purse in the same hand as that of the girl who also wears pantalettes and holds a green parasol in her left hand. A third woman wearing a mortarboard style hat adorned with feathers, a long-sleeved, calf-length, high-waisted dress with under skirt, and boots, holds a spear-shaped umbrella over her shoulder and "marches" passed them in the right. Also, shows a pug-like dog standing in the left by the women who greet each other.
Notes Title from item.
Date inferred from content.
Contains two bubbles of dialogue within image of first scene: How do you do? How do you do? Madam! How is it with you today? It is rather Cold, sir!-
This caricature is similar in content to the prints from the series, "Life in Philadelphia" (London Set), and has been catalogued as part of the series.
RVCDC
Description revised 2022.
Access points revised 2022.
Subject Dogs -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Men -- Caricatures & cartoons -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Men -- Clothing & dress -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Middle class -- Caricatures & cartoons -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Middle class -- Clothing & dress -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Women -- Carciatures & cartoons -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Women -- Clothing & dress -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Salutations -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Walking -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Genre Caricatures -- 1820-1830.
Engravings -- Hand-colored -- 1820-1830.
Location Library Company of Philadelphia| Print Department| Life in Philadelphia (London Set) [P.9720]
Accession number P.9720