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The Clerical Macaroni

The Clerical Macaroni shows a man who is a model of “macaroni” fashion. St. George may have used the term “clerical,” an adjective for a clergyman, to mock this man’s strict adherence to “macaroni” fashions of a small hat, big hair, and mixed fabric patterns. In 1770, a British commentator criticized “macaroni” men: “There is indeed a kind of animal, neither male nor female, a thing of the neuter gender, lately started up amongst us. It is called a Macaroni. It talks without meaning, it smiles without pleasantry, it eats without appetite, it rides without exercise . . .”

The Clerical Macaroni
Drawn by Richard Mansergh St. George; Published by Matthew and Mary Darly
March 4, 1772
Etching
Courtesy of The Lewis Walpole Library, Yale University