Middlesex-Spence’s D&H-1110, with the politically charged Pandora’s Breeches reverse.

This piece depicts Thomas Paine, reviled by some for his anti-Monarchial views at that time, hanging on the obverse, while the reverse depicts the pair of burning trousers (‘breeches’) stuffed with straw that were planted above a lavatory in the House of Commons in May of 1792. 

The motto PANDORA’S BREECHES was coined as a warning against political activism at that time, as Pandora’s box had become a common image for the French Revolution.

Linking Pandora to those breeches (though Thomas Paine was believed responsible) implied something as disruptive and unnatural as a woman wearing trousers at that time.

The piece itself is a superb gem with lovely color just faded from full red.

SOLD

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