Paris dilligence [graphic]

"A clumsy lumbering diligence, with four horses, leaves the porte-cochère of an inn, part of whose ornate façade is on the left. The sign, 'Le Qoque [sic] en Pate', hangs from a wrought-iron bracket. Two postilions ride the near horses, flourishing their whips. The coach is full inside and out with typical French characters, humorously drawn, soldiers, monks, and women, with couples absorbed in conversation. An old couple beg from the passengers. A lean sow with small pigs scampers beside the coach. In the background (left) is the west end of a small church with a Calvary beside it at which nuns kneel in prayer; a group of monks approaches holding a cross. Down the hill leading from inn and church a post-chaise and pair and a post-boy on a horse are galloping, the latter wearing the huge 'milk-churn' boots which astonished visitors to France. A row of very ancient gabled houses forms part of the background, while on the extreme right is a large building of more recent date."--British Museum online catalogue