The Departure 1792

George Morland painted 'The Departure' in a period when England was undergoing significant social and economic changes, with evolving class structures and rural-to-urban migration. Here, we see a narrative of farewell, likely set against the backdrop of this shifting social landscape. A woman, presumably a domestic servant or a member of the working class, is shown in a moment of emotional parting. There’s a tension in her face, amplified by the contrast in attire between her and the men, perhaps suggesting the economic disparities and gendered roles of the time. The looming carriage in the background symbolizes mobility and a different way of life, possibly alluding to themes of social aspiration or forced displacement. Morland, known for his depictions of everyday life, offers us a glimpse into the personal and emotional dimensions of the era's social transformations. What might this departure signify for the woman left behind?