Rowlandson the Caricaturist; a Selection from His Works. Vol. 2 by Joseph Grego

1800. _Matrimonial Comforts._ No. 1, _The Dinner Spoil'd._ G. M.

Woodward del. Etched by Rowlandson. Published by R. Ackermann, 101 Strand.--A family party sitting down to the diurnal repast. The head of the house is an ill-favoured person, of advanced age and wearing a tremendous wig. Before him is a leg of mutton, and, knife and fork in hand, he is considering the joint with the eye of disfavour. 'It's red!' he grumbles, 'not fit to eat!--these are the blessed effects of boiling mutton in a cloth!' His wife is regarding the dinner with consternation; one son is opening his eyes, and 'making a mouth' apprehensive of losing his dinner; another youth bears a look of absolute dejection; the family circle is completed by the addition of a queer poodle, seated on his hind legs, and wearing a disappointed look, like the rest of the diners. An appropriate pair of figures, _Peace_ and _Concord_, are hung on the wall by way of pictures.