Thomas Rowlandson (London 1756-1827)
Lot 373

Thomas Rowlandson (London 1756-1827)

Betty Careless in the arms of an admirer

Closed8 December 2011

Price Realised

GBP 4,000

More Information

How to sell

Thomas Rowlandson (London 1756-1827)
Betty Careless in the arms of an admirer
with inscription 'Betty Careless' (lower centre)
pen and black ink and watercolour
7½ x 5½ in. (19 x 14 cm.)

Specialist note

Betty Careless or Betsy Careless (c.1704-1739) was a notorious prostitute and later bagnio-owner in London. Probably born Elizabeth Carless (though she later used the name Mrs. Elizabeth Biddulph too), she adapted her name to better suit her profession. Her name, beauty and reputation made her something of an archetypal courtesan for the popular culture of the day.