3-009-061 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Winter Exhibition, Pall-Mall: "Evening", by Dicksee, 1862. Engraving of a painting. '...the face, now fully developed into womanliness, is thoroughly English in type, but partakes more of the aquiline or what is called "aristocratic" character, a style of beauty very effective in a ballroom, but which to us seems, however effective in expression, or however, as it sometimes is, veiled with a mellow radiance soft as moonlight, always slightly masculine, and therefore misplaced. Here we have the lady "brought out," and, doubtless, the "belle of the season." She is equipped ready to start for some saloon where, however brilliant the lighting, she is surely destined to be the star of the evening. To do her justice, her "intents seem charitable," even though she shine forth at "the very witching time of night." She draws on her glove, too, with sweet nonchalance. But we fear her influence must be baleful on some poor stargazers. And take care yourself, lady fair! You wear the pansy-wreath now because doubtless symbolising your present heart's-ease, but soon a yellow flower may be a fitter emblem, and even the orange-blossoms may not prove a happy exchange'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.