A line of buxom flemish women recedes in perspective diagonally from left to right across the design, forming the edge of a sheet of water through which french soldiers advance, some aiming their muskets. Copious streams issue from the bared posteriors of the women, producing the water which checks the french advance. In the foreground is a group of three, at the near end of the line: a stout dutchman (also urinating), in profile to the right, holds a large bottle of 'gin', to which a stooping woman puts her mouth. Next her a woman facing the water turns her head to the left. The man is smoking hard, a second pipe is thrust through his hat-band. The women are typical flemings, wearing wide-brimmed hats over lace caps, with necklaces and ear-rings. 24 october 1794. Hand-coloured etching. Date: 1794. Dimensions: Height: 247 mm; Width: 350 mm. Medium: paper. Collection: British Museum. Opening the sluces or Hollands last shift (BM 1868,0808.6368)
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