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Sir John Fielding wearing a blindfold sits in a chair holding instruments of justice before Madam Cornelys on the shoulders of a lawyer and the Duchess of Northumberland. Engraving, 1771. Wellcome Collection. Public Domain Mark. Source: Wellcome Collection.
On the fining of the singer Madame Cornelys for performing an opera at a masked ball at Carlisle House on 27 February 1770 without a licence. Cornelys was known for her lavish gatherings which were often attended by high society. This particular ball was organised by the gentlemen of the 'Tuesday Night's Club'. A portion of the proceeds of this event was devoted to the poor of the parish. However, the proprietors of the Italian Opera House considered such meetings an infringement of their privileges and a dangerous rival to their attractions. Consequently, Cornelys and the other organisers were fined at Bow Street for 'keeping a common disorderly house'. The castrato singer Guadagni, who was also fined, stands behind holding a flag with the words 'Empress of the vast regions of taste and magnificence'
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