A fashionable man in 1790 - a Scaramouch
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A fashionable man in 1790 - a Scaramouch
A Scaramouch (or Scaramouche): a fashionable dandyish man wearing short boots with spurs, a jacket cut short in front with multiple lapels, a large hat and carrying a decorative cane. He is also wearing an extremely high cravat. Scaramouche is a character of the Commedia dell Arte and also appears in Punch and Judy. He is frequently struck by Punch, causing his head to come off his shoulders; his name is therefore associated with puppets with extendable necks. This is perhaps, therefore, a comment on the extendable neck that the fashionable gentleman would require to accommodate so ridiculous a cravat. Date: 1790
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Media ID 14122008
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1790 1790s Caricatures Cravat Dandyish Fashions Lapels Multiple Satire Satirical Scaramouche Spurs Fashionable Short
EDITORS COMMENTS
A Fashionable Scoundrel of the 1790s: The Dandyish Scaramouche This print from the annals of the 1790s introduces us to a dapper and daring figure, the Scaramouche. A character rooted in the rich tradition of Commedia dell'Arte and Punch and Judy shows, the Scaramouche was a fashionable man, known for his short boots with spurs, a jacket cut short in front with multiple lapels, a large hat, and a cane, adorned with decorative designs. The epitome of 18th-century fashion, he wore an extremely high cravat that required an extendable neck, a nod to the satirical nature of his appearance. The Scaramouche, with his flamboyant attire and air of nonchalant elegance, was a scoundrel, a rogue, and a charmer. His fashion sense was as audacious as his character, making him a figure of fascination and intrigue. The print, created in 1790, captures the essence of this enigmatic figure, immortalizing him in history as a symbol of the extravagance and excess of the era. The Scaramouche's high-collared cravat, a precursor to the modern necktie, was an essential accessory for the fashionable gentleman of the time. However, the impracticality and absurdity of such a large cravat were not lost on the satirical artists of the day. The Scaramouche's extendable neck became a popular caricature in the world of illustration and printmaking, poking fun at the ridiculous lengths men went to in the pursuit of fashion. This print, a captivating glimpse into the past, offers a unique perspective on the fashion trends and cultural norms of the 1790s. The Scaramouche, with his dandyish charm and absurdly high cravat, remains an enduring symbol of the era's fashionable excesses and the satirical commentary that accompanied them.
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