Obsequious Collection

Costume design for Basilio, from The Marriage of Figaro, 1905 (colour litho)
GIA938515 Costume design for Basilio, from The Marriage of Figaro, 1905 (colour litho) by Caramba, Luigi Sapelli (1865-1936); Museo Teatrale alla Scala, Milan, Italy; (add.info.: Le nozze di Figaro)

The Queen's Visit to Birmingham - Reading of the Birmingham Corporation Address to Her... 1858. Creator: Unknown
The Queen's Visit to Birmingham - Reading of the Birmingham Corporation Address to Her Majesty in the Townhalll, 1858

The Prince at Grass and The Prince in Clover, published by S.W. Fores in 1787 (hand-coloured etching)
NCO193109 The Prince at Grass and The Prince in Clover, published by S.W. Fores in 1787 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College

Kissing Hands, published February 10, 1806. Creator: Charles Williams
Kissing Hands, published February 10, 1806

Kissing Hands, published 1827 (colour litho)
STC204389 Kissing Hands, published 1827 (colour litho) by Heath, William (1795-1840); Private Collection; (add.info.: ridiculing British politicians sucking up to Caroline of Brunswick (1768-1821)

A French Gentleman of the Court of Louis XVI and a French Gentleman of the Court of
NCO190145 A French Gentleman of the Court of Louis XVI and a French Gentleman of the Court of Egalite, published in 1799 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray

Sampson Brass, illustration from Character Sketches from Charles Dickens, c. 1890 (colour litho)
LLM405136 Sampson Brass, illustration from Character Sketches from Charles Dickens, c.1890 (colour litho) by Clarke, Joseph Clayton (Kyd) (1856-1937); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Presentation, or Wise Mens Offering, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1796
NCO190493 The Presentation, or Wise Mens Offering, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1796 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College

An Election Ball, c. 1829 (hand-coloured engraving)
740536 An Election Ball, c.1829 (hand-coloured engraving) by Heath, William (1795-1840); Private Collection; (add.info.: Published by Thomas McLean.); The Stapleton Collection; English

Sampson Brass, from The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens
KDC465758 Sampson Brass, from The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens, 1923 (colour litho) by Clarke, Joseph Clayton (Kyd) (1856-1937); Private Collection; (add.info.: Relies on his sister, Sally)

A Broad Hint of Not Meaning to Dance, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1804
NCO189762 A Broad Hint of Not Meaning to Dance, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1804 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College

Shabby-genteel Frenchman Date: 1850

ALADDIN AND GENIE
Aladdin and the obsequious genie of the lamp

STAGE GESTURE / OBSEQUIOUS
OBSEQUIOUS ATTENTION Date: 1807

Loyal Addresss & Radical Petitions... 1819. Artist
Loyal Addresss & Radical Petitions, or the R-ts most gracious answer to both sides of the question at once, 1819. The Prince Regent standing on a dais

Laurence Eusden
LAURENCE EUSDEN Churchman who obtained the post of Poet Laureate by addressing verses of obsequious flattery to influential persons. Date: 1688 - 1730

Overheated Customer 1903
Obsequious waiter and overheated customer Date: 1903

To whom I have related the affair, illustration from Pride & Prejudice
XJF451394 To whom I have related the affair, illustration from Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, edition published in 1894 (engraving) by Thomson

A bedchamber in the Lords house, Induction, Scene II, from The Taming of the Shrew
KW323350 A bedchamber in the Lords house, Induction, Scene II, from The Taming of the Shrew, from The Boydell Shakespeare Gallery, published late 19th century (litho) by Smirke

Malvolio before Olivia, from Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare (1564-1616) 1789
XYC183013 Malvolio before Olivia, from Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare (1564-1616) 1789 (oil on canvas) by Ramberg, Johann Heinrich (1763-1840); 157.8x220.7 cm; Yale Center for British Art

The Farewells, 1777, engraved by de Launey the Younger (engraving) (b / w photo)
XIR164878 The Farewells, 1777, engraved by de Launey the Younger (engraving) (b/w photo) by Moreau, Jean Michel the Younger (1741-1814) (after); Private Collection; French, out of copyright

Warren Hastings (1732-1818) in India in 1784 (engraving) (b&w photo)
XJF108283 Warren Hastings (1732-1818) in India in 1784 (engraving) (b&w photo) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; English, out of copyright

Wolves (Canis lupus), submissive gestures, behavior, Europe

A Candidate, Moloch
A political candidate makes a gesture of false sincerity

Peacock and Lizard
A bird introduces an obsequious lizard to a haughty peacock

Japanese Greeting
When the head of a Japanese household returns home, he expects his womenfolk to display their respect in a suitably deferential and obsequious manner

Fontainebleau Interior
The throne-room of the palace with courtiers and officials standing around while the king graciously receives a document from an obsequious petitioner

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"Captivating Characters: A Glimpse into the World of Obsequiousness" Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating world of obsequiousness through these intriguing hints. From elaborate costume designs to humorous illustrations, each glimpse offers a unique perspective on this fascinating trait. In "Costume design for Basilio, from The Marriage of Figaro, " we witness the artistry behind portraying an obsequious character on stage. The intricate details and vibrant colors bring Basilio's sycophantic nature to life, adding depth to his role. "The Presentation of Mahometan Credentials" takes us back to 1793, where a French atheist resorts to flattery as his final resource. This hand-colored etching captures the desperation and cunning employed by someone seeking favor through exaggerated compliments. Moving forward in time, "Kissing Hands" published in 1806 showcases Charles Williams' satirical take on social etiquette. With humor and wit, he highlights how individuals use excessive flattery as a means to gain influence or advantage. Fast forward again with "Kissing Hands" published in 1827; this color lithograph continues exploring the theme behavior but adds a touch of elegance and refinement. It reminds us that even within sophisticated circles, insincere gestures can still prevail. Traveling across borders, we encounter "A French Gentleman of the Court of Louis XVI. " This depiction provides insight into courtly manners during this era while shedding light on how individuals would go above and beyond to please those in power. "Sampson Brass, " an illustration from Charles Dickens' Character Sketches series transports us into Victorian England. Through vivid colors and meticulous detail, it portrays one who is servile yet conniving—a perfect example of obsequiousness hiding beneath a deceptive facade. "The Presentation or Wise Men's Offering" transports us further back into history—1796—where Hannah Humphrey's publication captures the art of flattery in biblical times.