The Carrier Preparing to Set Out

Preparations are made for the departure of a cart. A man has removed his jacket and hat to help manoeuvre a heavy package onto the vehicle. A dog takes some interest in the hampers that wait to be loaded together with a wrapped bundle and a rabbit in a basket. Has the woman just received this bouquet of flowers? Or is her posy intended for an unknown recipient? A reluctant horse is coaxed into the picture frame, to be harnessed into position.

George Morland specialised in scenes of picturesque poverty like this one. He was one of the most popular genre painters of the early-19th century but by the time Thomas Holloway bought this work in 1881 Morland's paintings would have seemed rather old fashioned. Sights of this kind were rare by the late-19th century, when horse-drawn carts like this were less common. This picture may have reminded Holloway of his childhood.

Bought by Thomas Holloway, 1881.