Old Maids at a Sale of Curiosities

Thomas Rowlandson

Cleveland Museum of Art

The painting depicts a group of old women gathered around a man. The man on the right side of the image holds a white pitcher in his right hand. He wears a white shirt and possibly a white apron. He appears to be standing behind a counter or table. The crowd consists of numerous old women, all wearing head coverings, with their faces contorted in various expressions. They are dressed in old-fashioned clothing. The women are positioned on the left side of the image and in the center. In the background, a shelf displays various antique items, including vases, pots, and other objects. The overall scene appears to be a satirical depiction of old maids at a sale of curiosities.