"Pamela, Plate 3" (no title)

This is part three of a twelve-part series based on Samuel Richardson's highly successful epistolatory novel Pamela: Or Virtue Rewarded which was one of the most influential works of English literature of the 18th century. Written in the form of letters and journal entries through the eyes of Pamela Andrews, a 15-year-old domestic servant, as she as she rejects the repeated failed seductions and attempted kidnappings by her wealthy employer, Mr. B. It's also a work of conduct literature about marriage, morality, and social class. It's heroine, Pamela navigates her low position in society and her religious training to remain "virtuous" against all odds. Between 1744 and 1745, the painter Joseph Highmore published advertisements seeking subscribers to support the publication of engravings based on his twelve paintings representing scenes from the novel. The prints were published with inscriptions in English and French to appeal to a wide audience.

In the third scene, Mr. B startles Pamela, who faints, after he is revealed to be hiding in her closet. Mrs. Jervis, the housekeeper and Pamela's friend, is distraight. The caption reads: "Pamela swooning, after having discovered M.r B. in the closet. He (frighted) endeavoring to recover her. M.rs Jervis wringing her hands, and screaming."
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