Mary of Buttermere was the victim of bigamist James Hatfield, whose case was a sensation. James Gillray was a brilliant political caricaturist, and drawings by him are rare as he usually drew directly onto the engraver's plate. Wordsworth included Mary's story in Book VII of 'The Prelude', contrasting his own fate with hers. One drawing and one engraving.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Mary of Buttermere, 1800–1802
Date supported
1993
Medium and material
1) pen & ink with pencil & grey wash; 2) hand coloured engraving
Dimensions
1) 26.7 x 20.3 cm; 2) 30.5 x 23.2 cm
Grant
1500
Total cost
12500
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