The widow Costard's cow & goods distrained for taxes, are relieved by the generosity of Johnny Pearmain [graphic].

A widow with her gouty foot elevated, sits on a stool in front of her cottage, as her daughter wipes away a tear in the doorway. A tax collector with a book under his arm examines the widow's possessions, which are strewn about the ground in front of the house. Included are a bellows, chair, candlesticks, and cauldron. The cow's head is visible on the left. In the foreground a young squire in riding dress is in the act of offering the old woman a purse, as he eyes her pretty daughter