About this lot

Description

Attributed to Thomas Rowlandson (British, 1756–1827) A lady driving a high perch phaeton drawn by four grey horses watercolour, unframed 19 x 20cm (7 x 8in)
The owners of these sporty, open-air and lightning fast carriages actually drove the vehicle, as there was no place for a coachman. Phaeton seats were built high off the ground, the sides of the vehicle were open to the elements (a top could be pulled over as a screen from sun or rain), and the back wheels were larger than the front wheels. However, these light, airy, well-sprung vehicles were prone to tipping over when turning around corners too fast, thus a driver had to be skilled in order to move at high speed. The phaeton, therefore, was extremely popular with the rakish set.
Unframed and stuck down with sellotape. One small tear along the top edge. Three little white spots on the left-hand side.

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