Toying Collection

The Giant Factotum amusing himself, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1797
NCO190489 The Giant Factotum amusing himself, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1797 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College

Fantasy Austrian New Year Maypole - A glamorous young lady enjoys toying with her formerly-dressed suitors, all in miniature form and flying around her on champagne bottles

The Joyful Forest
A detailed, humorous illustration shows an incredibly busy forest scene in which a large variety of happy creatures are mischeviously toying with the artist who is just trying to paint a picture

Easter greetings card (colour litho)
CHT205953 Easter greetings card (colour litho) by Kuderna, F. (fl.1910); Private Collection; © Archives Charmet

The Giant Factotum amusing hinself, pub. 1797 (hand coloured engraving)
2966812 The Giant Factotum amusing hinself, pub. 1797 (hand coloured engraving) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; (add.info)

Nymphs and Satyr, 1873 (oil on canvas)
CLK339920 Nymphs and Satyr, 1873 (oil on canvas) by Bouguereau, William-Adolphe (1825-1905); 260.4x182.9 cm; Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA; French

Cat & mouse - Cat with a pink bow toying with a mouse. Date: circa 1925

Girl, possibly Venus, with Cupid (chromolitho)
975869 Girl, possibly Venus, with Cupid (chromolitho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Girl, possibly Venus, with Cupid.); © Look and Learn

The giant-factotum amusing himself - William Pitt, 1797. Artist: James Gillray
The giant-factotum amusing himself, 1797; showing William Pitt bestriding the Speakers chair in the House of Commons, towering high above the galleries, playing cup and ball with the globe

Frances Lady Ducie
FRANCES lady DUCIE Aristocratic lady depicted toying with a lorgnette suspended round her neck by a necklace. Date: CIRCA 1840

Wife of Quentin Massys
The wife of QUENTIN MASSYS, toying with a necklace. Date: circa 1500

Domestic cat playing with a lizard
Domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) playing with a lizard. Photographed in Thailand

Cat and mouse, artwork

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"Toying with Delight: A Journey through Time and Imagination" Step into the enchanting world of "Toying" as we explore a collection of captivating artworks and whimsical scenes that have delighted generations. In 1797, Hannah Humphrey's publication, "The Giant Factotum amusing himself, " brought laughter to many with its humorous depiction. Meanwhile, in the Joyful Forest, fantastical creatures frolic amidst vibrant foliage, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. As we venture further into this realm of imagination, an Austrian New Year Maypole stands tall like a beacon of joy and hope. Its intricate design transports us to a land where dreams come true. And who can resist the charm of an Easter greetings card? With its vivid colors and lithographic brilliance, it evokes feelings of warmth and celebration. In another corner lies James Gillray's masterpiece from 1797 - "The Giant Factotum amusing himself. " This hand-colored engraving showcases William Pitt engaging in playful antics that tickle our funny bones even after centuries have passed. Nymphs and Satyr by an unknown artist takes us on a journey through mythology. The oil-on-canvas painting captures the mischievous nature of these mythical beings as they engage in their own form of playfulness. Moving forward in time, we encounter a delightful scene featuring a cat playing with a mouse – forever locked in their eternal game. Their interaction reminds us that sometimes life itself is just one big toy waiting to be explored. A chromolithograph titled "Girl, possibly Venus, with Cupid" enchants viewers with its ethereal beauty. As we gaze upon this artwork depicting love's playful essence, our hearts are filled with warmth and tenderness. Frances Lady Ducie gazes at us from her portrait—a woman whose grace embodies elegance while hinting at hidden depths beneath her refined exterior. Her presence adds another layer to our exploration of what it means to toy with life's mysteries.