A night scene under the Piazza of Covent Garden, the center of which is seen through the arch of the arcade. A couple hurry arm-in-arm through a doorway (right) over which is Haddocks (a bagnio). The woman is the Duchess of Devonshire, shown with a bare breast and holding a lantern. She tells the prim young man "Vote for whom you please but kiss before you poll." He answers, "Tis too much neighbor! I could not go through with it." On the left behind the couple is Mrs. Hobart who holds her lantern to see an old Chelsea pensioner and a negro supported on stumps and crutches. She says to them, "D-m the Duchess, she got all the young voters."
Alternative Title:
Dark lantern business, or, Mrs. Hob and Nob on a night canvass with a bosom friend and Mrs. Hob and Nob on a night canvass with a bosom friend
Description:
Title etched below image., Printmaker from British Museum catalogue., Sheet trimmed partially within plate mark., and Mounted to 29 x 38 cm.
Publisher:
Pub. April 24th, 1784, by H. Humphrey, Bond Street
Subject (Geographic):
Great Britain.
Subject (Name):
Cavendish, Georgiana Spencer, Duchess of Devonshire, 1757-1806, Buckinghamshire, Albinia Hobart, Countess of, 1738-1816, and Covent Garden (London, England)
Subject (Topic):
Brothels, Lanterns, Lighting, People with disabilities, Political elections, and Prostitutes
