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Boy (loq.) O don't I pity them poor Nobs in Carriages this hot weather
Pen, brown ink, and watercolour; by John Leech, after 1830
Metropolitan Museum of Art, Los Angeles


A boy rides on the back of a water cart, cooling himself off in the hot weather, while a young girl reaches out toward him. The rich, despite their privilege, are the ones to be pitied in this situation, as they endure the heat in their fancy carriages while the working-class boy enjoys a refreshing ride on the water cart. This is characteristic of Leech's social commentary, which frequently highlighted class differences with humour and wit.