Study of a Lady in a Riding Habit

Art Historical Context

**Study of a Lady in Riding Habit** is a lively pen-and-ink drawing by the celebrated British caricaturist Phil, created in the late 19th to early 20th century May (1864–1903), a master of black-and-white illustration, captured the vibrancy of Edwardian society through his bold, economical lines. This intimate study, measuring just 8¾ x 8⅛ inches, depicts a poised woman in equestrian attire—a tailored riding habit that symbolized upper-class leisure and mobility for women during this era of shifting social norms. May's technique shines in the fluid pen strokes that convey movement and personality with remarkable economy. Working primarily in pen and ink, he favored rapid sketches that distilled character in a few deft lines, a style honed through his work for *Punch* magazine and his own albums. Here, the riding habit's fitted jacket and skirt highlight both elegance and practicality, reflecting the growing visibility of women in outdoor pursuits amid fin-de-siècle changes. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department as part of The Elisha Whittelsey Collection (acquired 1963), this piece exemplifies May's keen observation of everyday glamour. It invites visitors to appreciate how a simple study can evoke the spirit of a transformative time for women's roles.