Calling for a Chrismas Box

Calling for Christmas boxes dates from the early 17th century, when apprentices took round a collecting box, hoping for contributions. The money was usually collected in an earthenware pot which was later broken to retrieve and share its contents.

Up until the 1780s, Rowlandson was largely concerned with pen work. From 1780 onwards, however, he began to combine watercolour with pen to create 'tinted drawings'. He also developed a more detailed narrative in his works. Here, the focus is on the expressions of the characters involved: the anticipation on the faces of the tradesmen is in marked contrast to the hostility of the woman who opens the door. One assumes they will leave empty handed on this occasion.