An old maid on a journey, James Gillray

A procession from the open door of an inn (r.) towards the room destined for the traveller. A fat, ugly, elderly woman with a twisted, appraising profile, holding up a fan in her right hand, from the little finger of which dangles a parasol; tucked under her left arm is a lap-dog. She wears a riding habit. Over her straw hat is a hood or scarf. After her shambles a lean elderly man, much caricatured, carrying an embroidery frame, bag, and box. Behind him is a man holding up a caged bird, to which he whistles grotesquely, while a cat ensconced in an alcove grabs at the cage. An immensely fat woman stands against the wall, watching the visitor. The fat host (l.), napkin in hand, ushers her towards the room, with pointing thumb. It is called 'the Ram' and the adjacent door is placarded 'the Union.' Bell-wire meanders over the wall connected with bells belonging to the two rooms; both are jangling. Through the door is seen the sign of the inn - a cock on a pair of breeches (BM). / The satire in this print is said to be both general and particular, as the artist is supposed to have personified in his old maids the well known Miss Banks, whose collections have enriched the British Museum (Wright/Evans).
Courtesy of Boston Public Library