Paris dilligence

Rowlandson, Thomas, 1756-1827 · [1810?]

The diligence is starting from a massively built and handsome innyard, the sign of the Cog en Pate. The 'machine' is a cumbersome vehicle, clumsy and heavy to an incredible degree. Through the unglazed spaces for windows are seen the occupants, who are travelling Pariswards : an assortment of corpulent and shaven monks, peasant women, and an old veteran with a formidable pigtail ; a fashionable lady in feathers is ogling a beau wearing a powdered wig and enormous solitaire. The roof itself is also loaded ; another fat friar, with shaven poll, is reading his book, over which is peeping a debonnaire damsel of redundant charms, who is flirting a gigantic fan ; an officer, with an enormous cocked-hat and a massive club, has his hands in a muff of pantomimic magnitude ; by his side is a lively grisette, with a parasol ; another officer is reclining behind.