Contraste des moeurs anglaises [graphic]

"French cartoon on the abolition of slavery in England. John Bull gives freedom to an enslaved woman while keeping his own English wife on the leash. According to the caption, the woman is publicly offered for sale. This refers to the English use of 'wife selling'. Because divorce in England until 1857 was virtually impossible and expensive, it occurred in poorer circles that the woman was literally sold to end the marriage. In the background, the abolition of slavery is celebrated while at the same time a woman is sold."--Rijks Museum online catalogue, object number: RP-P-1951-702