The Lilly Macaroni 1771

Matthew Darly's 1771 etching, "The Lilly Macaroni," is a satirical portrayal of a "macaroni," a term for fashionable young men of the time. The image depicts a man in extravagant attire, complete with a long, flowing wig, a ruffled shirt, and a sword. The figure's exaggerated pose and flamboyant clothing are intended to ridicule the excesses of the macaroni fashion trend. This print, part of a larger series, provides a glimpse into the social and cultural anxieties of 18th-century England. "The Lilly Macaroni" is a prime example of satirical caricature, a popular art form that used humor and exaggeration to critique society.