Miss Macaroni and her Gallant at a Print-Shop 2 - 1773

John Raphael Smith's satirical mezzotint *Miss Macaroni and her Gallant at a Print Shop* (1773) depicts a fashionable couple, dressed in the height of 18th-century style, visiting a print shop. The woman, a “Macaroni,” is identifiable by her extravagant hair, a symbol of the flamboyant fashion trends of the period. The couple is surrounded by prints of various figures, creating a social commentary on the follies of the time. The scene mocks the pretentiousness and absurdity of the “Macaroni” subculture, highlighting the contrast between their flamboyant appearances and their shallowness. The artwork provides a glimpse into the social dynamics of 18th-century England, capturing the interplay of fashion, satire, and social critique.