Roberts after George Moutard Woodward.

The Discovery, or Little Faux Pas.

13.5 x 10.5 inches

An etching in vibrant hand colour, engraved by Roberts after Woodward and published in London circa 1803.

A cautionary tale for all young ladies, this moralistic caricature cuts straight to the chase in the midst of an unravelling family scandal. To the far right a distraught but clearly very attractive girl sits weeping as her father (seated to our left) remonstrates with her asking, ''Come come, don't mince the matter since the thing is done – have not you had a child?'' She answers that she thinks it highly likely she has had a child but it was ''but a little one''. It is intriguing to see that her ankle and foot are revealed in a rather coquettish manner, unbecoming in a lady of good repute.

Meanwhile, to the left of the print, the mother and a very gormless looking brother discuss the dishonour that will be brought upon the family, and presumably upon them in particular. Mother is annoyed that her daughter has been ''found out'' but her brother saw trouble all along because his sister was forever in the company of men rather than ''minding her needle''. A cautionary tale for young ladies then; stay close to your sewing box and don't be led astray!

£450