A man visits a country cottage and pays a young woman; local children protect a pet lamb. Lithograph, 18--.

At the cottage door, the young country woman, holding an infant, receives a visit from the man accompanied by his dog. The man holds a coin. A distressed child reaches up to hold the young woman's arm. In the foreground, country children protect a pet lamb from a young man who holds a rope. Nearby are a box barrow (left) and a well (right)

In the absence of subject lettering, several interpretations are possible. The man may be collecting rent from the young woman, and the lamb may be liable to be seized in lieu of rent. Alternatively, he may be collecting a baby from a wetnurse: the child does not want to let the baby go, and the lamb is a metaphor for the baby

Berlin (Louisen-Str. 53) : Published by F. Silber, [between 1800 and 1899]

1 print : lithograph ; image 42.7 x 54.5 cm

Gegen Nachdruck geschützt

Appears to be a pastiche or copy of themes in pictures by earlier English artists such William Redmore Bigg, (1755-1828), George Morland, etc.

Wellcome Collection 3087534i