Thomas Rowlandson (1756-1827) - Hand Coloured 1819 Etching Political Caricature

Description

An original hand coloured etching by Thomas Rowlandson (1756-1827). Entitled 'A Rough Sketch of the Times as Delineated by Sir Franci Burdett', from the series 'Tegg's Caricatures' No.15. Published May 9th, 1819. Depicting a young man standing between a healthy looking man 'The Genius of Honour and Integrity' and a an older, grotesque looking man to his right 'The Monster of Corruption'. The young man is Francis Burdett and wears a sash with the inscription 'Magna Carta, Bill of Rights' referring to his political career. Rowlandson's designs were usually done in outline with a reed-pen, then washed with colour. They were then etched by Rowlandson on copper, and afterwards aquatinted, probably by a professional engraver, and the impressions were then finally hand coloured. Inscribed and dated. On wove.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some discolouration and minor foxing. Minor losses to the edges of the paper, the largest tear measuring 2cm at the lower edge, has been repaired and does not affect the main image. The paper has been trimmed, but the plate mark is still visible.

Size

24 x 33.7cm (9.4" x 13.3")
Sheet: 25.6 x 40.4cm (10.1" x 15.9")

Artist Biography

Thomas Rowlandson (1756 - 1827) was an English caricaturist. Born in London, from a humble background, Rowlandson studied at the Soho Academy from 1765. Upon leaving school in 1772, he became a student at the Royal Academy. During his early career he made frequent trips to Paris to study under Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, and was spoken of as a promising student. As a printmaker Rowlandson was largely employed by the art publisher Rudolph Ackermann, who in 1809, issued in his Poetical Magazine The Schoolmaster's Tour, a series of plates with illustrative verses by Dr. William Combe. Proving popular, the plates were engraved again in 1812 by Rowlandson himself, and issued under the title The Tour of Dr Syntax in Search of the Picturesque. Rowlandson died at his lodgings in 1827, aged 72.