The immense popularity of his works is due in part to their encompassing all stratas of society and in highlighting social concerns and reflecting London's diverse population. In this painting a little street urchin, the crossing sweeper, is attempting to persuade a pretty young lady to pay him to escort her across a busy London road. It was one of Frith's most popular compositions.

Provenance

Christie's, 1997; Sotheby's, 2003.