A fox, pursued by hounds and members of the hunt, enters a country cottage and takes refuge under the skirts of a woman who reacts with alarm. Aquatint by John Harris after J. Collet.

In "Reynard's last shift", "shift" means both an expedient or subterfuge, and "a body-garment of linen, cotton, or the like; in early use applied indifferently to men's and women's underclothing; subsequently, a woman's smock or chemise" (OED)

The leading huntsman tries to catch the fox's brush with his hand. The woman and her elder daughter prepare to attack the fox with brooms, though they seem to be aiming at the hunters. A younger daughter holds a doll. A cat and two kittens react to the irruption with fear

[London?] : [publisher not identified], Between 1800 and 1899]

1 print : aquatint ; platemark approximately 64.2 x 54.5 cm, image (arched top) 55 x 45.4 cm

Reynard's last shift. After Collett by H. B. Engraved by J. Harris Impression catalogued may lack imprint

Wellcome Collection 35248i

Possibly after the mezzotint "Reynard's last shift. From the original picture by John Collet, in the possession of the proprietors [Bowles & Carver]", but the composition varies: in the mezzotint the three hunters are differently portrayed, and the hunter on the left is a woman wearing a high bonnet, whereas in the aquatint she is replaced by a young man