| Method | Etching with hand colouing |
| Artist | Thomas Rowlandson |
| Published | Pubd. by Thos. Tegg No. 111 Cheapside. [1810] |
| Dimensions | Image 330 x 225 mm |
| Notes |
A grotesquely short, obese man, kneeling upon his hat, grasps the hand of a tall, sinewy woman on the portico of a mausoleum, perhaps reflecting the seriousness of their illnesses. Both characters appear to be affected by infirmity, both in opposing ways. 'Dropsy' now more commonly known as Oedema, affecting the obese man, is the build up of fluids which causes tissue to become swollen, hence his rotund and swollen appearance. 'Consumption' now thought to be tuberculosis, affecting the acrid woman, affects the lungs and causes breathing problems and weight loss, apparent in the appearance of the lean woman. In the background a couple walk arm in arm, the woman is short and rotund, with parson being slim and lean. A muscular statue of Hercules in the background juxtaposes all the characters' physiques depicted. Thomas Rowlandson (1757-1827) was one of the most accomplished and prolific of English professional draughtsmen. Admired for his satirical wit, he excelled as a caricaturist as well as an illustrator of books. Best known for such works as 'The Microcosm of London' and 'The Three Tours of Doctor Syntax', which he illustrated for Rudolph Ackerman. One of the finest exponents of pen line in the history of British art. BM Satires 11635, Grego 'Rowlandson' 193 Condition: Trimmed to image at sides and top and at plate below title. |
| Framing | mounted |
| Price | £250.00 |
| Stock ID | 41602 |