'Opera & Drawing Room full dresses, 1806'

published by John Bell, published in La Belle Assemblée or Bell’s Court and Fashionable Magazine
etching and line engraving, published 1 July 1806
8 1/2 in. x 5 1/4 in. (216 mm x 134 mm) paper size
acquired unknown source, 1930
Reference Collection
NPG D47496

Artistsback to top

John Bell (1745-1831), Publisher. Artist associated with 88 portraits, Sitter associated with 4 portraits.
La Belle Assemblée or Bell’s Court and Fashionable Magazine (1806-1832), Magazine. Artist associated with 57 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Described in the magazine: Two Opera Dresses.
The first figure represents a lady with a white muslin turban, ornamented in the front with gold and pearls; the hair smoothed over the forehead, and large curls resembling cork-screws hang on each side; the neck embellished with a fancy gold chain. A gown of white India muslin, sloped round the neck; short sleeves, ornamented with Turkish embroidery; a small mantlet round the shoulders; white silk shoes and gloves.
The second figure represents a lady with her head dressed á la Romaine, and ornamented with fancy combs. White muslin gown, with a long train behind, short in the front, tied round the waist with a silk cord and tassels in front; pearl neck-lace; white silk gloves and shoes.

Portrait setback to top

Fashion plates, 1770-1869

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1806back to top

Current affairs

William Pitt dies in January and his lifelong opponent Charles James Fox dies in September. Pitt is succeeded by William Wyndham, Baron Grenville, who forms the 'Ministry of all the Talents' coalition .
Prince of Wales instigates the 'Delicate Investigation'; a Parliamentary enquiry into claims that his wife Caroline had an illegitimate child.

Art and science

John Constable embarks on a formative tour of the Lakes and makes landscape studies of the Langdale Pikes and Helvellyn.
Turner exhibits his Thames views to acclaim at his own London gallery.
Humphrey Davy discovers the elements potassium and sodium by passing an electrical current through molten compounds.

International

Soprano Angelica Catalani arrives from Italy to make her London debut, amazing audiences with her showpiece arias.
Napoleon turns his forces east against Austria, Russia and Prussia and enjoys a wave of French victories.
British attack on Buenos Aires under General William Beresford fails.

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