The Road to Ruin (BM 1880,1113.4805)

A scene at Bagnigge Wells tea-garden. A young man, probably an apprentice, in fashionable but ill-fitting dress, stands smoking between two prostitutes, who berate him, arms akimbo. In the background is the fountain, water spouting from a swan as in BMSat 4545 (1776), but the high clipped hedge has given place to a lawn and trees. Behind is an alcove with two men. A waiter walks off (left) carrying a tea-kettle. 1 February 1799
Etching