Stained Glass Window - Camp Followers

Copy of a 17th century engraving "Mardi Gras on an Ox" kept at the Carnavalet Museum in Paris.

This roundel painted with silver yellow grisaille represents a plump character riding a fat ox. In his left hand he brandishes a broom and in the other a long pick on which bacon, a suckling pig and other food are skewered. He wears a pot on his head, and various kitchen utensils protrude from his back. At his waist he carries a bag and two poultry behind him. He seems to be going into battle.
It is an allegory of Mardi Gras. There is an abundance of food and the character advances valiantly to prepare for the fast.

Personally, it reminds me of the women who accompanied soldiers during battles in Europe from the 17th to the end of the 19th century; the camp followers. Rarely highlighted by historians, they ensured the supply of food, tobacco and other goods. They laundered the laundry and did the cleaning.