Thomas Rowlandson (1756-1827) was the consummate British caricaturist of the late 18th to early 19th century.  In the early 1800s, Rowlandson did a series of aquatints, published by Rudolph Ackermann, called the Dance of Death.  In each of this series, Death in the form of a skeleton is undertaking his dirty work in various menacing fashions.  In the case of this aquatint, Death has interrupted a game of chance, arriving at the door with a javelin attached to his hip.  There is no doubt what he intends to do with the javelin; certainly the residents of the house, all women except for one gentleman and a cat, have no doubt.

Below the print is a verse by the poet William Combe which reads, "Be not alarm'd --- I'm only come to choose a wife & light her home".  The publication line is above the print and reads "London Pub July 1, 1814 at R. Ackermann's 101 Strand".

This print is from my personal collection which I am beginning to sell off.  Unless noted otherwise in the description, the prints and art that I sell are not "reproductions".  Please check my other listings for additional items of interest. I will combine shipping.