Provincial Characters Collection

A rat catcher, Provincial Characters, 1804. Artist: William Henry Pyne
View of a rat catcher holding a cage of rats which is being attacked by a dog. In his other hand he holds a ferret, which he no doubt used to catch the rats. From Provincial Characters, 1804

A tinker and a child, Provincial Characters, 1804. Artist: William Henry Pyne
A tinker, laden with various bags and tools, including a bellows walking along while a small child tries to attract his attention

Two chair menders, Provincial Characters, 1804. Artist: William Henry Pyne
Two chair menders, one sitting on the floor repairing the seat of a chair, while the other carries a large bundle of cane on her shoulder. From Provincial Characters, 1804

Women and children gleaning, Provincial Characters, 1802. Artist: William Henry Pyne
Two groups of a woman and two children gleaning, all carrying bundles of straw. Gleaning was the practice of collecting loose grain and other useful remnants of crops from field after harvesting

A rustic with a dog and a boy, Provincial Characters, 1813. Artist: William Henry Pyne
A rustic, wearing a hat and long coat, accompanied by a small boy and a dog, from Provincial Characters, 1813

A newsman, Provincial Characters, 1813
A newsman, from Provincial Characters, 1813

A church beadle, Provincial Characters, 1813
A church beadle, dressed in his uniform and carrying a staff. A beadle is responsible for leading formal church processions. From Provincial Characters, 1813

A market woman, Provincial Characters, 1813
A market woman, wearing a shawl and carrying a basket, from Provincial Characters, 1813

A baker, Provincial Characters, 1813
A baker, carrying two baskets of his wares, from Provincial Characters, 1813

A butchers boy riding a horse, Provincial Characters, 1813
A butchers boy riding a horse, with a dog running alongside. From Provincial Characters, 1813

A watchman, Provincial Characters, 1813
A watchman, dressed in a hat and coat, and carrying a club and a lantern. From Provincial Characters, 1813

A chimney-sweep dressed in May Day costume, Provincial Characters, 1813
A chimney-sweep dressed in traditional May Day costume, from Provincial Characters, 1813

A barrow woman, Provincial Characters, 1813
A barrow woman, pushing a large wheelbarrow laden with what looks like apples. From Provincial Characters, 1813

A match girl, Provincial Characters, 1813
A match girl, wearing a shawl and carrying a small basket over her arm. From Provincial Characters, 1813

A drover and his dog, Provincial Characters, 1813
A drover leaning on a fence, with his dog sitting next to him. From Provincial Characters, 1813

A milkmaid, Provincial Characters, 1813
A milkmaid, carrying two large pails with a number of smaller jugs attached, hanging from a yoke across her shoulders. From Provincial Characters, 1813

A dustman, Provincial Characters, 1813
A dustman, carrying a basket and a bell. His cart is parked in the background. From Provincial Characters, 1813

A waterman to a coach stand, Provincial Characters, 1813
View of a waterman to a coach stand, carrying two pails of water, with a coach behind him. From Provincial Characters, 1813

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"Capturing the Essence of Provincial Characters: A Glimpse into 19th Century Life" Step back in time and immerse yourself in the world of provincial characters, as depicted by the talented artist William Henry Pyne. Through his intricate brushstrokes, Pyne brings to life a diverse array of individuals who were an integral part of society during the early 1800s. In "A Rat Catcher, " we witness a man skilled in his craft, diligently setting traps to rid communities of these pesky rodents. His weathered face tells tales of countless battles fought against these elusive creatures. Moving on, we encounter a heartwarming scene between a tinker and a child. The tinker's worn tools are evidence of his trade, while he patiently imparts wisdom to the young one beside him. This tender moment showcases the passing down of knowledge from one generation to another. Next up are two chair menders, their hands deftly repairing broken furniture pieces with care and precision. Their expertise ensures that cherished heirlooms can be enjoyed for years to come. Pyne also captures scenes depicting women and children gleaning – an arduous task undertaken by those less fortunate but filled with resilience and determination. These images serve as reminders that even amidst hardship, there is strength in unity. The rustic figure with his loyal dog and accompanying boy exudes simplicity and contentment. In this idyllic countryside setting, nature becomes both playground and companion for these figures who find solace outside bustling city walls. Amongst this cast of characters is also a newsman – an individual responsible for disseminating information within communities at a time when newspapers were scarce commodities. His presence highlights the importance placed on staying informed despite limited resources. We then meet a church beadle whose role extends beyond mere attendance at religious services; they act as caretakers ensuring order within sacred spaces while embodying steadfast devotion themselves.