"Whitefield preaching to a group of country-people by the roadside. A sign, a lion rampant on a post with the chequers which denote an alehouse, shows that the scene is outside an inn. Whitefield, his squint very pronounced, stands in gown and bands, both arms raised, in the attitude familiar from the mezzotints in print-shop windows, see British Museum satire 5220. Some of his hearers, men and women, clasp their hands in prayer, some kneeling; others grin slyly or scowl. Immediately in front of him an elderly man seated on a mounting-block, is asleep, his head resting on the head of his stick. A woman with three infants is seated in the foreground (left). A pot-man (left), his sleeves rolled up, holds out a foaming tankard, either to the preacher or to one of the audience. Behind, in front of the signboard (left) is a countryman on horseback. Behind Whitefield is the trunk of a large tree, under which the group is collected."--British Museum online catalogue
Description:
Title, printmaker, and publication information from British Museum catalogue., Sheet trimmed within plate mark resulting in loss of title, imprint, and statement of responsibility., and Window mounted to 33 x 26 cm.
Publisher:
Publish'd April 15, 1774, by W. Humphry, St. Martin's Lane
Subject (Name):
Whitefield, George, 1714-1770
Subject (Topic):
Breast feeding, Clergy, Crowds, Drinking vessels, Outdoor religious services, Prayer, Signs (Notices), Sleeping, Taverns (Inns), and Waiters