The last shift [graphic].

Description

Title: The last shift [graphic].
Contributor: Bowles, Carington, 1724-1793, publisher.
Published / Created: published as the act directs, 21 Dec. 1792.
Publication Place: London
Publisher: Printed for & sold by Carington Bowles, No. 69 St. Paul's Church Yard, London
Abstract: "A courtesan stands at a wash-tub, washing her last shift. She wears a cap over ringlets in curl-papers and a tattered petticoat, a shawl covers her naked shoulders. The room is squalid, with plaster falling from the bricks. Across the fireplace stockings hang on a string to dry. The corner of a bed appears on the right. On the table by the wash-tub is a small gin tankard. Under it is a pair of stays. A cat tries to reach a (broken) plate of cheese on a chair. On the floor, beside a fashionable high-crowned hat, lies a ballad: 'How happy were my days till now...'. Papers are thrust under the vertical bar of the casement window, one inscribed 'Admit Two to the Boxes'. Probably an imitation of Gillray's 'The Whores Last Shift', see British Museum Satires No. 5604."--British Museum online catalogue
Description: Title etched below image.
Sheet trimmed within plate mark on left edge.
Plate numbered "626" in lower left corner.
Folded to 31.3 x 25.5 cm.
Bound in opposite page 214 in a copiously extra-illustrated copy of: King, R. The new London spy, or, A twenty-four hours ramble through the bills of mortality. London : Printed for J. Cooke [and 3 others], [1771?].
Provenance: With the armorial bookplates of "Fraser, of Ledeclune, baronet" and "Herbert Henry Raphael" in volume. Sold at Sotheby's, 22 April 1901, to Sotheran. Schatzki, lot 1193; June 1961;
Extent: 1 print : sheet 35.9 x 26 cm
Extent of Digitization: This object has been completely digitized.
Language: English

Collection Information

Repository: Lewis Walpole Library
Call Number: Quarto 724 771N
Collection Title: Opposite page 214. New London spy, or, A twenty-four hours ramble through the bills of mortality.
Collection / Other Creator: King, Richard, Esq.
Collection Date: London : Printed for J. Cooke [and 3 others], [1771?].