1-238-189 - The London Archives (City of London)/Heritage Images

Wife being sold at Smithfield Market, London, c1820. A rowdy scene at Smithfield cattle market with the wife for sale tied by a rope around her waist to a rail in the centre. She doesn't seem unduly concerned at the prospect of being sold and stands with her legs apart, hands on one hip. A man brandishing an ale-mug dances beside her; the man on the right - possibly her husband - holds up one hand for attention. At left a chimney sweep empties soot on the crowd, with a Jewish seller of old clothes approaching. At right an angry woman grabs a man. The dome of St Paul's Cathedral is visible in the distance.