Mr Hamilton Bell, carrying a vintner's boy

Category

Library Item

Item no

13339

Title

Mr Hamilton Bell, W. S., carrying a vintner's boy from Edinburgh to Musselburgh, and Mr John Rae, surgeon-dentist, accompanying him in the character of bottle-holder

Description

A tall man carries a boy on his back and is accompanied by a shorter man holding a bottle and a walking stick. They are both smartly dressed and wear tall hats and shoes with buckles. They pass two fisherwomen who are walking in the opposite direction. The women carry large bags of fish on their backs and support the weight by resting the straps on their foreheads.

Artist / maker

Kay, John

Date

1799

Size

12 x 11.4 cm

Type

Etching

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The accompanying text in the volume begins as follows:
"The scene described in this Etching records a somewhat ludicrous but highly characteristic instance of the social spirit of former times. At a convivial meeting overnight, a pedestrian match was entered into betwixt Mr Innes, confectioner, and Mr Bell, to walk from Edinburgh to Musselburgh; the latter, a man of uncommon strength, agreeing to carry the waiting boy of the tavern, in which they were regaling themselves, on his back. In order to avoid the gaze of spectators, as well as to anticipate the scorching heat of a summer day, the bet was decided early next morning, almost unknown to any one, save a few fish-women, some of whom are represented as on their way to the Edinburgh market, to which they then repaired at a very early hour."

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Related subjects

Animals > Fish > Fish

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Bags

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hats

People > Adults > Men

People > Agriculture and fisheries > Fisherwomen

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Sport and leisure > Activities > Walking

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