The scene is the interior of a perpendicular Gothic church. The sand in the hourglass has run out, but the preacher continues to lecture, oblivious to the fact that his congregation has fallen asleep. The clerk below the pulpit eyes the bosom of the young woman sleeping in the lower right, fan in one hand and a book open to "... of Matrimony" about to slip from her fingers. An angel supports a banner that reads "et mon droit".
Description:
Title and state from Paulson., "Price one shilling.", and 1 print : etching and engraving on laid paper ; plate mark 263 x 207 mm, on sheet 330 x 245 mm.
Publisher:
Wm. Hogarth
Subject (Topic):
Clergy, Lust, Preaching, Religion, Religious services, and Sleeping