A Quirky Collage

This early-Victorian drawing made us look twice this week—a quirky collaged image that combines hand-coloured engravings with layered paper and original watercolour. The figures appear to have been cut from the popular engraved fashion plates of the time, whilst the horses and setting are hand-drawn. The background is also partially collaged on cut-out card, giving a greater sense of depth.

The grouping of the five women together—away from the conventional domestic interior—has a wonderfully conspiratorial dynamic. The women are severed from their role of sporting society fashions (cut from the popular engraved fashion plates of the time) and transplanted side-saddle on their own horses.