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A Family Party Taking an Airing, 1819. Creator: William Heath
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A Family Party Taking an Airing, 1819. Creator: William Heath
A Family Party Taking an Airing, 1819. A hobby horse (a forerunner of the bicycle) adapted to carry a passenger (and her pets). The rider is teased by monkeys. Attributed to William Heath
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Media ID 36262749
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Bicorne Bicycle Birdcage Bonnet Caged Bird Cats Contraption Cyclist Danger Dangerous Day Out Day Trip Feline Felines Funny Heath William Hobby Horse Invention Mammal Monkey Monkeys Monkies Outing Paul Pry Pedestrian Hobbyhorse Peril Pets Primate Pry Paul Silly William Heath Hand Tinted Parody Satirical
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EDITORS COMMENTS
A Family Party Taking an Airing," an 1819 etching by William Heath, captures the whimsy and humor of a day out in the English countryside during the early 19th century. The image showcases a woman, dressed in a fashionable bonnet and dress, riding a hobby horse, a precursor to the bicycle, adapted to carry a passenger and her pets. Her pets, a cat and a pair of monkeys, accompany her on this adventurous outing. The woman's companions, dressed in similar attire, tease her from the side, adding to the playful atmosphere of the scene. The etching, hand colored on ivory wove paper, is a colorful and intricate parody of the day trip. The woman's hobby horse, a contraption of wooden wheels and a seat, is a dangerous and perilous invention, yet she appears unfazed by the potential danger. The monkeys, with their mischievous grins, seem to be enjoying the scene just as much as the human partygoers. The etching is a delightful example of the caricature and cartoon tradition in British art, with its emphasis on humor and satire. The use of animals, particularly monkeys, was a common motif in the art of the time, often used to add a touch of whimsy and amusement to scenes of everyday life. The etching is also a reflection of the changing fashions and societal trends of the time, with its depiction of the latest apparel and the popularity of the hobby horse as a form of transportation. Today, "A Family Party Taking an Airing" is a cherished addition to the collections of many art institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago. It is a reminder of the rich artistic heritage of the 19th century and the enduring appeal of the human spirit, even in the face of danger and the absurdities of everyday life.
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