In its subject matter, it resembles the prints of hawkers and traders popular in Hogarth's day.

[2] The painting depicts a woman selling shellfish on the streets of London, typically a job for the wives and daughters of fishmongers who owned stalls in markets such as Billingsgate.

The subject balances a large basket on her head, bearing shrimps and mussels, together with a half-pint pewter pot as a measure.

His widow Jane was said to have told visitors on showing the picture to them: "They say he could not paint flesh.

"[3] It was only sold after his wife's death in 1789, and first received its title The Shrimp Girl in a Christie's sale catalogue.