Object Description
A Mezzotint on paper entitled A Visit to the Camp.
The print shows Miss Kitty, on horseback visiting her beau, an army Captain, in camp. Miss Kitty is suitably attired wearing a redcoat inspired outfit. Her Captain casually leans against her horse as they speak. In the background another officer entertains two ladies sat at his campaign table within his tent. Further tents line up on the hill.
The legend to the bottom of the print has been trimmed to fit the frame. Originally it would have noted the title ‘A Visit To The Camp’ along with ‘London, Printed for R. Sayer & J. Bennett Map & Printfellows No. 53 Fleet Street as the Act directs 25 Sep.r 1780.’ However, the title is written in a period hand to the back.
The legend also gives a poem to explain the print which depicts Miss Kitty’s love over coming her fear of entering the soldier’s camp:
‘To Visit her Captain miss Kitty is come, To the Camp, nor is she afraid of the Sound of the Drum, Tents, & Arms in her Bosom no terror can move, For each Hostile Idea is conquer’d by Love.’
The trimmed print is in a period ebonised frame with a gilt slip.
For those interested in campaign furniture, a late 18th century illustration showing a camp scene with a table and chairs set up in a tent to entertain is fascinating. The fact that it is shown on a print that was aimed at an affordable market, illustrates the wide recognition at the time of such a scene.
Published on the 15th September 1780.
The size of the frame is given.