A Little ‘Put Out’ Signed with monogram lower right. Source: Fun 23 (1 March 1876): 97. Courtesy of the Suzy Covey Comic Book Collection in the George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida. Click on image to enlarge it.
Candidate for Place: — “And of course M’m the washing’s pout out?”
Lady: — “Oh, Yes!”
C.: — “And the boots, and knives and forks, and ——”
Lady (hesitating): — “Er — really ——”
C.: — “And I shouldn’t like to have to make the beds!”
Lady: — “Oh, if you like, we’ll put them out too — with the washing!”
The joke is obviously supposed to be on the demanding applicant for a servant’s position, but to modern eyes the image somewhat undercuts this mockery: the would-be employer’s reclining position gives the impression of someone indulging in absolute leisure. Furthermore, because both women are covered beneath the waist with an identical patterned fabric, the illustration impresses the viewer as much with their similarity as their difference. — George P. Landow
[You may use this image without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the University of Florida library and (2) link your document to this URL in a web document or cite the Victorian Web in a print one.]
Last modified 23 March 2016