A Templar at his studies [graphic]

"A barrister, haggard and exhausted, yawns over a 'Brief', reclining in an arm-chair, extending his bare legs to the fire (right) where a coffee-pot stands. Beside him is a 'Bill of Costs'. Evidence of overnight dissipation are a (Turkish) masquerade dress and mask on the floor and a young woman, partly dressed, arranging her hair at a mirror placed on the breakfast-table. Her foot rests on a large volume: 'Crim Con Cases'. The room is lined with heavy folios, a serjeant's wig hangs by the window; there is a notice: 'Term begins -- A convenient Sett of Chambe[rs] To Lett'. A bust portrait of a severe old judge is over the chimney-piece on which stand books, bottles of 'Cherry Bounce', and 'Restorative Drops'. On the ground are empty bottles, top-boots, a gun, a dog. Riding-breeches and a jockey-cap hang from a peg."--British Museum online catalogue