Not currently on display at the V&A

Handkerchief

1705 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Handkerchief of printed silk commemorating the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. The central panel contains a long inscription. At either side of the panel is a tall Corinthian column bearing trophies and thirteen engravings of the ensigns and standards captured in the battle. The name of the regiment or brigade to which each flag belonged is printed underneath it, with a few exceptions, and the number of similar flags captured is beside each one illustrated. Above these columns at either side are trophies of war surrounding, on the left, winged Fame blowing a trumpet, and on the right is Britannia. Above the inscription are more trophies with bound and naked captives to either side of a medallion containing a half length portrait of Queen Anne, and flying cupids with a palm of victory and trumpet from which hangs a banner with the monogram 'A R'.

Beneath the inscriptions is a diagrammatic view of the battle with Marlborough in the foreground on a horse. Below that is another group of standards and armour around a crowned cartouche bearing the royal monogram. Along the bottom are further areas of print explaining name and posts of officers, regiments which surrendered prisoners, an explanation of colours, and an explanation of the Battle.

The handkerchief is printed in black on white silk from an engraved plate.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Printed silk
Brief description
Handkerchief of printed silk commemorating the Battle of Blenheim, England, 1705
Physical description
Handkerchief of printed silk commemorating the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. The central panel contains a long inscription. At either side of the panel is a tall Corinthian column bearing trophies and thirteen engravings of the ensigns and standards captured in the battle. The name of the regiment or brigade to which each flag belonged is printed underneath it, with a few exceptions, and the number of similar flags captured is beside each one illustrated. Above these columns at either side are trophies of war surrounding, on the left, winged Fame blowing a trumpet, and on the right is Britannia. Above the inscription are more trophies with bound and naked captives to either side of a medallion containing a half length portrait of Queen Anne, and flying cupids with a palm of victory and trumpet from which hangs a banner with the monogram 'A R'.

Beneath the inscriptions is a diagrammatic view of the battle with Marlborough in the foreground on a horse. Below that is another group of standards and armour around a crowned cartouche bearing the royal monogram. Along the bottom are further areas of print explaining name and posts of officers, regiments which surrendered prisoners, an explanation of colours, and an explanation of the Battle.

The handkerchief is printed in black on white silk from an engraved plate.
Dimensions
  • Length: 28.875in
  • Width: 21.375in
Box will be made to fit the drawer to prevent it from moving around. (77x95x4cm)
Marks and inscriptions
'A R' [in monogram] (Inscribed on a banner)
Credit line
Given by Lady Anne Wake Walker
Collection
Accession number
T.47-1967

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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