This example of postcard art is part of a series entitled, “A Gretna Green Elopement”.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gretna_Green

“Gretna Green”, a village in Scotland, was the destination for many young English couples who took advantage of Scotland’s more liberal provision for marriage than was available in England in the mid-18th century.

https://www.gretnagreen.com/why-flee-to-gretna-green-a739

In this painting by an anonymous postcard artist, a young man in an elegant coat and a young woman in an elaborate hat and travel cape, are stealing from the garden gate of an estate.

The pair are assisted by two sturdy footmen or servants in livery.

A closed carriage, pulled by four horses, stands waiting.

The light on the horizon suggests that it is early morning.

The painting was published by the English form of Raphael Tuck & Sons in the “oilette” style that resembled oil painting.

The postcard was printed in England.

On the face, we read a title, “The Start”.

From this, I infer that there are other episodes in this fascinating story of young lovers.

The postcard was not mailed, so we lack any information about the person for whom the postcard might have been intended.

Likewise, we do not know who collected the well-made postcard.

Since acquiring this postcard, I am now on a search for the others related to it.