An election ball [graphic]

"A provincial Assembly Room. A musicians' gallery (right) is above a recess which is the entrance from the street. In this a young woman changes pattens for dancing-shoes, supporting herself on the arm of a stout woman with a pin-cushion slung from her arm. A lighted lantern stands on the floor. In the foreground a couple advances from this entry, meeting a younger pair. In the background against the wall couples are dancing, facing each other, the man holding his partner's wrist. An absurd couple on a settee (left) flirt, the lady holding a tumbler, the man fanning her. Behind, two men delightedly inspect a paper headed 'Election 1812'. On the wall is a bill: 'Sir Toby Spendall returns his most grateful thanks to the worthy Freemen for thier kind support during the late Election.' From the pocket of an elderly man near the door hang two papers: 'State of the Pole' and 'To the Worthy Freemen'. In the foreground (right) a pair of half-boots, a cane, and a hat lie together. The room is lit by hanging candelabra and candle-sconces."--British Museum online catalogue