In a large, barn-like hall on the street level, at the open door on the right, a man stands outside with a raised staff, denying entrance to two men coming towards him. The hall is spacious, with an arched double door and a skylight window above in the center of the back wall and a tall, hooded chimney over a fireplace on the left. Along the back of the hall two women sit on a bench awaiting an interview. The one on the left has crossed eyes and spots on her forehead and checks, her hands in a muff. Two youths standing behind her smile down on her scornfully. Further to the right sits a poorly dressed black woman with an eager expression on her face. A young woman standing behind her appears to instruct her while pointing to the interview taking place in the foreground. On the left, an old getleman examines a young, buxom maid whom he is holding by the arm. A copy of Harris's list sticks out from his coat pocket. Above the maid is a notice on the wall “To be Lett and enter'd on immediately.” Two other women standing by the fireplace watch the pair intently. In the center of the image, an elderly lady leaning on a cane examines through her quizzing glass a sturdy young man she is interviewing. Above them is notice on the wall “Wanted a Strong Man servant for a Lady to do all Work.” Between them on the ground, sits a little boy with a toy in his hand. Next to them, a large dog lies asleep, with a note next to his muzzle, "A faithful servant wants a place". On the extreme right, a man seated behind a desk with his back to the viewer, gives a young woman a paper signed "To Mrs. Coupler Covent Garden". In bottom right of image is book open with title page partially obscured by trunk on top of it: “Modern Chastity exposed. a Vindic[ation] Hon.” A large lantern is suspended from the ceiling near the fireplace. One of its panes reads, "Cheatall's new Statute Hall every day", another, "A Statute Hall for hiring servants."
Description:
Title from item., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., Not in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires., and Watermark.
Publisher:
Printed for Robt. Sayer, No. 53 Fleet Street, and Jno. Smith. No. 35 Cheapside
