Wit and wisdom

"Boswell and his wife in the kitchen prepare a dinner for Johnson, who is seen in back view through an open street-door on the extreme left. They face each other smiling across a small, ramshackle table; Boswell is cutting off the neck of a grouse (which resembles a duck or goose). He wears the Scots cap and the pen behind the ear of BMSat 7031, &c., with an apron. From his pocket project 'Ogden' (see BMSat 7031) and the 'Journal'. Mrs. Boswell holds a rolling-pin. Behind (right) is a slatternly maidservant in back view looking to the left with a smile. On the ground are two piles of large birds intended for grouse, and an enormous lobster. Behind is a primitive kitchen fireplace; two large pots are suspended over the fire. The spit rests horizontally above the fireplace."--British Museum online catalogue