London Evening Dress and Morning Riding Dress for September 1808

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London Evening Dress and Morning Riding Dress for September 1808

published by John Bell, published in La Belle Assemblée or Bell's Court and Fashionable Magazine
hand-coloured etching, published 1 September 1808
8 5/8 in. x 5 3/8 in. (219 mm x 138 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1930
Reference Collection
NPG D47514

Artistsback to top

This portraitback to top

La Belle Assemblée, number 35. Described in the magazine:
No. 1 – London Evening Dress. A round dress of white Imperial sarsnet, or Italian crape, with a Roman tunick of amber satin, or Chinese silk. Antique stomacher, shirt folded sleeve, and rosette trimmings. Hair disposed in alternate bands and curls, with a long corkscrew ringlet falling from the left temple on the shoulder. Crescent comb, or ornament of fine wrought gold, placed in front of the hair. Necklace, earrings, and bracelet of amethyst, set transparent. French kid gloves above the elbow. Shoes of white satin; and India fan of carved ivory.
No. 2 – A Riding Dress. A Spanish habit, or Polish riding dress, with the Patriotic helmet; formed of superfine Georgian cloth, or thin kerseymere. Gold buttons, and trimming to correspond. Small French watch, worn on the outside. Plain high cravat of French cambric; collar of the habit sitting close round the throat. Hair in in irregular ringlets. Gloves and shoes of lemon coloured kid.

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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