Watercolor with black ink and gray wash over graphite on moderately thick, slightly textured, cream wove paper
Dimensions:
Sheet: 15 3/8 × 20 1/8 inches (39 × 51.1 cm)
Inscription(s)/Marks/Lettering:
Multiple inscriptions in black ink throughout image, including lower left, on chair: "For the Benefit | of mr. Lutestring | In a short Time | will be represented | the Tragedy | of the | DISIREST[?] MOTHER | [...] Entertainmt. | of the | SPOILD CHILD | further particulars | in due Time"; within image, center, in piano: "I. OCTAVE | fecit | 1802"; in black ink, lower left: "L Vaslet invt. et fecit"; lower center: "THE SPOIL'D CHILD | being Scene; 1st Exhibiting the fatal effects of unbounded Parental fondness. | Comprehended in Six separate representations of equal Size"; lower right: "Figures Ideal | In ease and Affluence see the blissfull Pair, | Their cherish'd Offspring their peculiar care: | Unconscious of this changefull Scene of life | So soon to shift to Woe and bitter Strife!"; in graphite, on back of mount, center: "VASLET LEWIS | The Spoiled Child Scene I | one of a set of six"
Credit Line:
Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection