A Cotillon." Original pen-and-ink drawing signed E. Hortley. Most probably English. Undated, but ca. 1900-1910

By [DANCE - Social]
Sheet size 290 x 375 mm. Executed in black ink with white highlights with an ornamental border to upper margin and titling within a tambourine motif to lower. Small circular embossed stamp of "Goodall's Bristol" (English paper manufacturer) to lower left corner.

A humorous drawing set in a dance hall depicting a fashionably-dressed seated woman with five young men lined up on their knees before her, nervously awaiting ther turn to ask the beauty to dance; an older man standing behind the woman (possibly her father?) smiles at the mens' predicament. Three young ladies in the foreground are busy chatting, while in the background a monocled gentleman asks a seated lady to dance, another lady appears to be napping, while a gentleman seated several feet away laughs. With smaller drawing to lower left outside the border of the primary drawing depicting a horse and carriage in front of a building (possibly the dance hall) with a number of figures scurrying in the rain and one male figure with a peg leg.

Slightly worn and soiled; creased at central fold; browned at edges from previous matting.

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