Oh Fie!!!
Print
14/09/1831
14/09/1831
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This is a scene from the coronation of Queen Adelaide, consort of King William IV of the United Kingdom, in 1830. In keeping with the tradtional ceremonies of the coronation, the queen is preparing to be anointed with oil, and two ladies in waiting unfasten the top of her dress so that the oil can be placed over her heart. The assembled clergy and officials discreetly peer at the queen's décolletage, while other ladies in attendance cover their eyes in shock. This print is also a pointedly ironic comment on the queen's reportedly prudish attitude, as she banned low-necked dresses in her presence at court.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Oh Fie!!! (published title) |
| Materials and techniques | Hand-coloured lithograph. |
| Brief description | Satirical print, anonymous, 'Oh Fie!!!', London, 1831 |
| Physical description | A scene from the ceremonial anointing during the coronation of Queen Adelaide, consort of William IV (1830-37). The queen kneels and two ladies in waiting unfasten the top of her dress so that she can be anointed with oil upon the heart. The assembled clergy peep at the queen's decolletage while pretending not to look, while other ladies in attendance look away in shock. One clergyman, either the Archbishop of Canterbury of the Dean of Westminster, holds an ampulla, or oil bottle, in the shape of an eagle. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Credit line | Bequeathed by John Jones |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Place depicted | |
| Summary | This is a scene from the coronation of Queen Adelaide, consort of King William IV of the United Kingdom, in 1830. In keeping with the tradtional ceremonies of the coronation, the queen is preparing to be anointed with oil, and two ladies in waiting unfasten the top of her dress so that the oil can be placed over her heart. The assembled clergy and officials discreetly peer at the queen's décolletage, while other ladies in attendance cover their eyes in shock. This print is also a pointedly ironic comment on the queen's reportedly prudish attitude, as she banned low-necked dresses in her presence at court. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 1233:196-1882 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | June 8, 2009 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSON
