Cheerful Antique Pansy Painting on Wooden Painter's Palette couple I think—19th century British ink

I think—19th century British ink and watercolor rebus drawing that I am still trying to fully puzzle out

6" tall x 5" wide x 4 3/8" deep

and it does seem to build up some tension

where we are told not once but twice what a fool we are

and the figure’s costume particularly seems to suggest Chinese

Cheerful Antique Pansy Painting on Wooden Painter's Palette couple I think—19th century British inkJust in time for spring, an antique painting on painter's palette of a proliferation of pansies, typically the first annuals of the year which always feel like a cheery welcome of to me. I really love the folkiness of these particular pansies, which together amount to what feels more like a festive riot than a careful arrangement just right! And someone really cared about either this palette or this painting, as there is a very careful mend (plug) in