Search results

Start typing

A woodcut showing the Emperor Maximilian in a triumphal chariot.
This large woodcut, over 2 metres in length, was originally planned as part of a huge printed frieze. The work, undertaken by a team of designers and woodblock cutters, was to show a triumph
Highlights from the print collection

An introduction to the print collection of the Royal Collection

JAMES GILLRAY (1757-1815)

A New Edition Considerably Enlarged of Attitudes Faithfully Copied from Nature

1807

RCIN 655747

Emma, Lady Hamilton performed her classically-inspired 'attitudes' from 1787 to audiences of invited guests in Naples, where her husband Sir William was British Envoy. In 1794 the attitudes were the subject of a set of engravings by Tommaso Piroli, here printed on ochre prepared paper to echo the Greek vase paintings on which Lady Hamilton based her act. Piroli’s prints (and implicitly Lady Hamilton, by then resident back in London) were mocked by James Gillray in an 1807 series showing the renowned beauty as an ungainly frump. Both sets were purchased by the future George IV, the Pirolis from Colnaghi in 1816, the satires from Hannah Humphrey on publication in 1807.

Purchased by the Prince of Wales (later George IV) from Hannah Humphrey on 24 April 1807 for 15s (for the set).


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.