A woman being bled by one man while another holds her arm, two dogs lap up her blood; representing France in the grip of Louis XIV and Cardinal Richelieu, while the financiers drain her resources. Engraving.

In the foreground are several catholic priests, three of whom are driving away the 'virtues'(represented as four beautiful women); a view of a setting sun forms the background to this expulsion. Two other priests are welcoming in the 'vices' (represented as a man in armour - war, a skeletal figure with arrow - death, a starving woman and child - poverty, and a figure cannibalising an arm - famine); a view of an approaching fleet of war ships forms the background of the invitation. Next to Louis XIV is a figure holding out a goblet into which an angel is pouring some liquid; next to Cardinal Richelieu is a gowned figure holding an urn and sprinkler. The crown and sceptre of France have been discarded on to the floor.