Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, August 1809.
“Promenade Dresses.”
As in other prints of the period, the closed parasol is shown held by the tip and not the handle. There is likely a strap on the tip which would have been wrapped around the wrist.
Note that the quizzing glass worn by the lady on the right is called an “Opera glass” in the text. I usually think of an opera glass as a small type of binocular, or even as a sort of double-glass lorgnette. The one in the print appears to be a single glass, but without the handle we expect with a quizzing glass. Perhaps that is why it is not named as such,
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“No. 1.–A petticoat of cambric, bordered with needle-work at the bottom. An Egyptian vest of the same, with corresponding border, in primrose or straw colour, Drawn tucker of French lace, finished at each edge with the same style of border. A provincial bonnet of fine moss or satin straw, ornamented with a cluster of double stock in front. Austrian scarf, of light blue sarsnet, tastefully disposed across the back and shoulders; the ends finished with gold or silver tassels. Shoes and parasol to correspond with the scarf. Gloves of York tan.
“No. 2–A cambric petticoat, richly embroidered at the feet in needle-work and vandyke lace. An Andalusian cosaque of shot sarsnet, edged round the bosom, and at the feet and wrists, with the same, and tied down the front with bows, and ends of white silk cord. A convent veil, of French lace, thrown back, so as to display the hair in front, which appears divided on the forehead, and flowing in irregular ringlets on each side of the face. Opera glass, with gold Venetian chain. Parasol and slippers corresponding with the coat. Gloves of lemon-coloured kid.”
