Sweet Poll of Plymouth (caricature)

Published in 1790, this caricature depicts a woman drawing the attention of three sailors in the docks of Plymouth. The woman, Poll, is characterized in a satirical style as a robust sex worker with a wicked grin. Two affable sailors in straw hats and handkerchiefs tied around their necks hold Poll by her waist. A Marine in a red coat with a musket rifle pointing upwards looks on excitedly.

‘Sweet Poll’ originated as a romantic trope, commonly depicted as a sailor’s faithful sweetheart, standing on the shoreline to await his return. Prints like this one subverted the trope, instead portraying Poll as a sex worker working in the docks of Plymouth. This was a comical stab at the character of women when left to their own devices.