-
Title
-
Emma was not sorry to have such an opportunity of survey
-
Description
-
Here we see Harriet speaking with Mr. Martin while Emma looks on at a distance. Harriet was interested in Mr. Martin and the two became close after she spent the summer living with his family on the farm on which he worked. Mr. Martin asked Harriet to marry him, but Harriet, influenced by Emma, turned him down. Emma fancied herself a matchmaker and tried to set up Harriet with Mr. Elton. Emma believed Mr. Elton to be interested in Harriet, but in reality, he wanted to marry Emma. This scene occurs in chapter 4, on page 25 as noted underneath the image. The characters are shown in the traditional regency style, with Emma and Harriet wearing the regency style dress with an empire waist. Their hair is worn tied up, as was tradition for women after their coming out before the queen, signaling her entrance into society. They wear bonnets to protect her face from the sun. Bonnets were a popular accessory at this time because going for walks was a common pastime, and pale skin was believed to be the most fashionable as a means of indicating a woman’s status in the upper class, who did not have to perform outdoor labour. They also carry parasols to further provide shade from the sun. Mr. Martin wears a waistcoat and tailcoat, and a top hat and carries a walking stick. The regency period dated to the early nineteenth century (1811-1820) when George, Prince of Wales, later George IV (r. 1820-1830), reigned as regent for his mentally ill father, King George III (r. 1760-1820). The regency period is associated with the rise of neoclassicism in art and fashion.
-
Image Creator
-
Hugh Thomson (Illustrator)
-
Identifier
-
mta:25766
-
Source Name
-
Emma
-
Image
-
mta_25766_OBJ.png