Evidently a preliminary drawing for a caricature print published in London by William Holland, May 3, 1803 (see: George 10179).
Title from published print.
Signed at bottom left: Woodward del.; with inscribed imprint: London Pubd [with "Dec 1 1803" struck out in ink and corrected to read] April 20. 1803 by W. Holland, Cockspur Street, opposite Pall Mall - removed from Oxford Street.
Drawing of a barrister on horseback, galloping beside the Devil down a gentle slope. He wears a wig with the black patch of a serjeaunt, bands, and spectacles. The Devil turns to him, saying "Follow the Out-rider - we shall soon be at our Journey's end." He answers, right hand extended, "Indeed Gentlemen - I cant think of going without and a fee." The outrider is a grotesque little grinning creature with a large head and a feathered cap inscribed 'Bill of Indictment.' Riding close behind the lawyer is a thin and elongated creature, his cap inscribed 'Suit in Chancery'. Behind are 'Long Vacation', with a threadlike figure, and 'Declaration' with a large head.
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, former owner.