The Great Boa Tippet 1829

Since the early 19th century, a long scarf made of fur or feathers has been called a boa, in reference to the giant snake that suffocates its prey by entwining itself. Heath again plays with the double meaning of the word in this cartoon: he shows a lady wearing a real giant snake around her neck instead of a fur boa - the ultimate fashion accessory of those years. The subtitle of the print, alluding to the Fall of Man, makes it clear that such fashionably dressed ladies were clearly out to seduce men. The lady's coquettish look at the observer and her handkerchief held in the right hand which could fall to the ground at the suitable moment are further hints at her immorality.