Nurse for The Hess--ns (no title)

Date1756

MediumEngraving

DimensionsOverall: 7 3/8 × 12 1/4in. (18.7 × 31.1cm) Other (Plate): 6 1/4 × 11 7/8in. (15.9 × 30.2cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-62

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "Sold in May's Buildings Covent Garden wh.r is 50 more/ Nurse._ Lulla-by Baby Bunting!/ Why come you here a hunting?/ Hess-n._To taak care of, Honey,/ And fatten vid Your Money./ Nurse._Lulla-by Baby Bunting!/ When will you leave off hunting?/ Hess-n._Ven You can geef no more e,/ And be like de Hess-ns poore e."

The interior of a cottage, where a nurse, with "Hired for four years" written on her cap, is shown rocking a cradle, in which are a Hessian soldier and his horse. His belt is inscribed, "80 Crowns if I die". Warming himself by the fire is a Hessian grenadier, with his belt inscribed "30 crowns If I Die." Through the door are seen an English village, with a tavern, the "Flying Horse", a reference to Hanover, and more Hessian soldiers, with sacks filled and being filled are also seen. The sacks are inscribed, "1500 yearly", "2500 if we go". On the wall hangs a portrait of a soldier in the act of saluting.
ProvenanceEx coll: H. Dunscombe Colt. Other known copies in Halsey Collection at Brown, Peel Collection at the Morgan Library.