XI: Pamela Asks Sir Jacob Swinford's Blessing, Joseph Highmore, 1743-4; Tate Collection N03576 Eventually, after recounting the events of the last painting in great detail to Mr. B, the two go home and fail to confront Lady Davers due to Pamela's avoidant behavior. But they do finally converse, and Mr. B makes it clear that … Continue reading Painting Costume Analysis: Pamela Series, Part Eleven

X: Pamela and Lady Davers, Joseph Highmore, 1743-4; National Gallery of Victoria 1117-3 One would think that Pamela's troubles would be over after her marriage: after all, most of her problems stemmed from her "courtship". However, Mr. B's family is still a hurdle to get over. His sister, Lady Davers, does not approve of Pamela's … Continue reading Painting Costume Analysis: Pamela Series, Part Ten

IX: Pamela is Married, Joseph Highmore, 1743-4; Tate Collection N03575 Because Mr. B really isn't supposed to marry Pamela, they need to hide their relationship for a while. He asks her to "dress as [she] used to do; for now, at least ...", which I believe means as she dressed when she was working for … Continue reading Painting Costume Analysis: Pamela Series, Part Nine

VIII: Pamela greets her father, Joseph Highmore, 1743-4; National Gallery of Victoria 1116-3 Driven to a frenzy, Mr. B attempts to find any letters to her family that Pamela has secreted on her person, asking if they are inside her stays or pockets and threatening to strip her; he starts to unpin her handkerchief and … Continue reading Painting Costume Analysis: Pamela Series, Part Eight

VII: Pamela in the Bedroom with Mrs Jewkes and Mr B., Joseph Highmore, 1743-4; TC N03574 This scene is similar to Mr. B's last nighttime attack on Pamela's virtue.  However, while Mrs. Jervis was a somewhat unwitting participant - truly believing in her employer's good intentions - Mrs. Jewkes takes on a more active role. … Continue reading Painting Costume Analysis: Pamela Series, Part Seven