Well-a-day, Is this my Son Tom 1768 - 1778

This engraving, "Well-a-day, Is this my Son Tom", was made by Samuel Hieronymus Grimm. It’s a great example of how close observation and skilled technique can pack a social punch. Grimm was clearly adept at manipulating the burin, the tool used to incise lines on the metal plate. Notice how the density and direction of the lines create depth and texture, especially in the outlandish wig. These wigs were a potent status symbol in 18th century Europe. Their construction was an industry in itself, involving numerous skilled wigmakers. The print shows a father, aghast at his son’s transformation into a bewigged fop. It speaks volumes about consumerism, class aspiration, and generational conflict. The father’s plain attire contrasts sharply with the son’s extravagant wig and finery, embodying a critique of superficiality. The artwork is a reminder that even seemingly simple prints are never just about aesthetics. They're deeply embedded in the social, economic, and material conditions of their time.