Taking pot luck, Brownlow North, 1799

A sequence of disasters: a servant (left), entering with a joint of meat, is tripped up by a dog, falls forward, bringing his dish down heavily on the head of one diner. The latter falls backwards, grabbing the table, which tilts and, together with a plate of soup, strikes his 'vis-à-vis' under the chin. The contents of a large tureen deluge the falling man. A second servant (right) runs forward with uplifted arms. Two lighted candles fall with the table. 12 july 1799 hand-coloured etching. Date: 1799. Dimensions: Height: 175 mm; Width: 222 mm. Medium: paper. Collection: British Museum. Taking pot luck (BM 1904,0718.10)