The Recruiting Party

This fine narrative painting is set in a village, said to be Long Ashton, where a dashing recruiting sergeant tempts gullible young men to enlist in the army. He promises glory, rank and wealth, but the true outcome for the ordinary soldier is shown on the far right where a forlorn veteran approaches a cottage for alms. Edward Villiers Rippingille's criticism of the army is biting and the various emotions of his characters show the divisive effects of the recruiting party on a village community.