Hope 1800

This hand-colored print titled "Hope" was made in London in September of 1790 by an anonymous artist. It presents an allegorical representation of Hope, a popular subject during the Enlightenment. We see a woman in classical dress, who leans on an anchor, a symbol of steadfastness. She gestures outwards, perhaps offering solace or guidance, with a ship sailing behind her. During this period, maritime power was central to British identity and economy, yet it came at a steep price. The print invites us to consider those left behind on shore. The work then becomes a visual metaphor for the era’s complex relationship to trade, and the lives of women, who were often left waiting and hoping for the safe return of loved ones. Even without knowing the artist's identity, the print speaks volumes about the cultural values and social realities of its time, evoking a sense of longing and anticipation.