A Loan

Joseph Lisle
A Loan.
London, Thos. McLean 1827
Aquatint
Original hand-colouring
240x210mm
£100
A scene in an impoverished lodging. A skinny, ugly, shock haired, small boy stands hopefully on the doorstep of an elderly old washerwoman, holding out a large pan. He says – If you please Mrs Soapkins Mother says will you lend her a Pan full of Coals till tomorrow. Washing hangs from a line above her sink, a broom and pail rest against the wall and a dirty shirt hangs over the bannisters. The washerwoman, wears a red quilted petticoat and apron, and wipes suds from her arms. Not in BM Cat.