'Morning Walking Dresses', November 1808

published by John Bell, published in La Belle Assemblée or Bell’s Court and Fashionable Magazine
hand-coloured etching, published November 1808
8 5/8 in. x 5 3/8 in. (219 mm x 137 mm) paper size
acquired unknown source, 1930
Reference Collection
NPG D47512

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 58 portraits.

This portraitback to top

La Belle Assemblée, number 37. Described in the magazine: Walking Dress
No. 1. A round cambric gown, with high fan ruff; a Polish coat with Carmelite mantle, of bright grass-green, or royal purple velvet, trimmed entirely round with ermine, and clasped up the side of the figure with steel or silver. A Shepherdess's hat of green velvet, or moss straw, with variegated green feather, and Chinese tassel. Shoes of black Spanish silk, or pale amber velvet; and gloves of York tan.
No. 2. A round robe of shawl muslin in white or colours. A plain French coat of Merino cloth, or shot sarsnet; the colour bright morone, or crimson shot, trimmed entitely round with chenille fur. A three-quartered Opera tippet of the same. A Village bonnet of sarsnet, or satin, formed in French flutings in front, ornamented with a full bow of appropriate ribband in the centre, and tied under the chin with the same. Shoes of grass-green, or morone velvet; and gloves of grey Limerick.

Portrait setback to top

Fashion plates, 1770-1869

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1808back to top

Current affairs

The 'Mary Anne Clarke affair' erupts in which Clarke, mistress of Frederick, Duke of York, was said to have used her influence with him to run a military promotions racket. Championed by radical government opponents, it ends in the Duke's resignation as Commander-in-Chief of the army.

Art and science

Sculptor John Flaxman begins Nelson memorial for St Paul's.
Richard Trevithick demonstrates model railway travelling at 12 mph.

International

After taking Portugal, Napoleon invades Spain, deposes the Spanish Bourbon monarchy and appoints his brother Joseph as the new King. The
Peninsular War then begins under Sir John Moore and Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington, aiming to protect Portugal and exploit Iberian hatred of French tyranny.

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