Miss Trimmer
This three-quarter length image shows a girl cuddling a kitten against her right shoulder, wearing a white dress, and with flowers in her short hair. Based on a painting by Catherine Read, the print could represent the daughter of the children's book writer Sarah Trimmer (1741-1810). First engraved by James Watson around 1765, the popular image was then reissued several times over a few years. The British Museum's collection includes three versions attributed to Richard Purcell, an Irish mezzotint engraver who pirated prints for the London publisher Robert Sayer. The Met's impression corresponds to one of those.
Artwork Details
- Title: Miss Trimmer
- Engraver: Possibly engraved by Richard Purcell (Irish, Dublin active from 1746, died ca. 1766 London)
- Artist: After Catherine Read (British (born Scotland), Dundee 1723–1778 at sea near Madras)
- Publisher: Possibly published by Robert Sayer (British, Sunderland 1725–1794 Bath)
- Sitter: Miss Trimmer (British, born ca. 1760)
- Date: 1760–80
- Medium: Mezzotint; proof before letters
- Dimensions: Sheet: 14 in. × 9 13/16 in. (35.5 × 25 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Bequest of Julia H. Manges, in memory of her husband, Dr. Morris Manges, 1960
- Object Number: 60.598.99
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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