Thomas Rowlandson

British, 1756 - 1827

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This is a painting of an exhibition of Lapland life. The artwork depicts scenes of Lapland life in a theatrical setting. Crowds are gathered on either side of the image, enclosed by walls decorated with furs and antlers. In the foreground, there are numerous reindeer, some adorned with colorful fabric. The middle ground features figures in fur garments, reminiscent of Laplanders, interacting. The backdrop displays a mural of an icy, mountainous landscape under a cloudy sky. The painting provides a glimpse into a historical exhibition that aimed to showcase foreign lifestyles. The artist skillfully blends detailed character portrayal with an elaborate stage-like setting.
Thomas Rowlandson, Mr. Bullock's Exhibition of Laplanders, 1822, hand-colored etching and aquatint, Rosenwald Collection, 1945.5.1259

Mr. Bullock's Exhibition of Laplanders

Thomas Rowlandson · 1822 · hand-colored etching and aquatint ·  Accession ID  1945.5.1259
The image shows a person standing and looking up. The individual is in a kneeling or slightly crouched position with their hands clasped in front of their chest. They have long hair, wearing a flowing garment. The background is blank. A monogram "T.R." is in the bottom left corner.
Thomas Rowlandson, Antique Figure, 1821, pen and black ink with brown watercolor and gray wash over graphite on wove paper, Gift of John Nichols Estabrook and Dorothy Coogan Estabrook, 1988.20.37

Antique Figure

Thomas Rowlandson · 1821 · pen and black ink with brown watercolor and gray wash over graphite on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1988.20.37
The image depicts a busy market scene with people and animals in a town square. Buildings block the horizon, with an obelisk in the square's center and market stalls nearby. A clock tower with a visible clock face is on the left, and beyond are more buildings, including a gothic structure. The brushstrokes are gentle, creating a soft rendering. The color palette consists of muted tones such as pale browns, creams, and soft blue-grays, giving a calm atmosphere. The use of color and detailing enrich the depiction of the marketplace.
Thomas Rowlandson, Market Day at Richmond in Yorkshire, c. 1818, pen and brown and gray ink with watercolor over graphite on wove paper, Paul Mellon Collection, 1986.72.16

Market Day at Richmond in Yorkshire

Thomas Rowlandson · c. 1818 · pen and brown and gray ink with watercolor over graphite on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1986.72.16
This is a drawing of a courtroom scene. The image depicts various figures dressed in historical attire in a trial setting. A prominent figure is standing and addressing the court with a raised hand. Dignified individuals are observing from behind a barrier. A large panel with detailed writing is on the right side of the image, next to a figure seated next to a menacing character. The scene is satirical, showing expressions of indignation, curiosity, and judgment on the faces of the onlookers and participants in a richly decorated courtroom setting.
Thomas Rowlandson, Boney's Trial, Sentence, and Dying Speech, published 1815, hand-colored etching, Rosenwald Collection, 1945.5.1280

Boney's Trial, Sentence, and Dying Speech

Thomas Rowlandson · published 1815 · hand-colored etching ·  Accession ID  1945.5.1280
The image shows a woman leaning out of a window. She is depicted from the waist up, with her arms crossed on the windowsill, looking to her left. She has prominent eyes, a slightly open mouth, and curly hair framed by a headscarf. She wears a dress with elbow-length sleeves and a beaded necklace. Beside her, there is a birdcage hanging on the wall and a potted plant on the windowsill. The window has a lattice screen. The windowsill is inscribed with "NANCY COCK CLEAR STARCHER." The background is lightly painted.
Thomas Rowlandson, Nancy Cock - Clear Starcher, c. 1815, pen and gray ink with watercolor over graphite on wove paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1988.66.1

Nancy Cock - Clear Starcher

Thomas Rowlandson · c. 1815 · pen and gray ink with watercolor over graphite on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1988.66.1
The image shows a man from the chest upwards with a large hat and light-colored, shaggy hair. He has a broad face, a large nose, full lips, and wide eyes. The man wears a red coat over a yellowish scarf and is accompanied by what appears to be a broken pipe on his hat. The background is neutral with washes of beige and light brown.
Thomas Rowlandson, A Soldier's Widow, 1815/1820, watercolor with pen and brown and gray ink over sanguine wash over graphite on wove paper, Joseph F. McCrindle Collection, 2009.70.206

A Soldier's Widow

Thomas Rowlandson · 1815/1820 · watercolor with pen and brown and gray ink over sanguine wash over graphite on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2009.70.206
This is a drawing showing an interior scene of a grand room. The room is adorned with classical architectural elements, ornate furniture, and decorative details. In the foreground, a person is seated at a table with a document marked "PARIS". The room is bustling with smaller figures engaged in conversation and activities. Classical sculptures are visible in the background.
Thomas Rowlandson, La Belle Limonaudiere au Cafe des Mille Colonnes, Palais Royal, Paris, 1814, hand-colored etching, Rosenwald Collection, 1945.5.1254.b

La Belle Limonaudiere au Cafe des Mille Colonnes, Palais Royal, Paris

Thomas Rowlandson · 1814 · hand-colored etching ·  Accession ID  1945.5.1254.b
The image shows two individuals from the waist up. The person on the right is seated and facing the viewer, with an intricate updo hairstyle reflected in the mirror behind them. Their facial features are rounded with rosy cheeks, and they are wearing a white garment with puffy sleeves and lace details. The person on the left is in profile, looking towards the seated figure, with elongated and exaggerated facial features. This person has a tall, dark updo and wears a pink dress with a high neckline. Two baskets filled with French fries and paper strips are on the table in front of them, along with a plate of colorful round objects and a multicolored hat. There’s a large mirror on the wall, framed in ornate gold, and a candlestick is visible; a large potted plant with dense green foliage stands nearby. The setting appears to be indoors, with light-blue walls in the background.
Thomas Rowlandson, Madame Very Restaurateur, Palais Royal Paris, 1814, hand-colored etching, Rosenwald Collection, 1945.5.1254.a

Madame Very Restaurateur, Palais Royal Paris

Thomas Rowlandson · 1814 · hand-colored etching ·  Accession ID  1945.5.1254.a
This is a painting of an interior scene featuring a lively gathering in a tavern or public house setting. The room is filled with men and women engaged in various activities. A central figure is serving drinks, while patrons are dressed in historical costumes. Shelves stocked with kitchenware are visible, along with a clock on the wall and a sign underneath. Dogs are present, and smoke rises from a table near the hearth.
Thomas Rowlandson, Doctor Syntax, in the Middle of a Smoking HotPolitical Squabble, wishes to Wet his W histle, published 1813, hand-colored etching, Rosenwald Collection, 1945.5.1220

Doctor Syntax, in the Middle of a Smoking HotPolitical Squabble, wishes to Wet his W histle

Thomas Rowlandson · published 1813 · hand-colored etching ·  Accession ID  1945.5.1220
The image depicts a caricature of two figures, a man and a woman, walking down a street. The man is on the left, slightly leaning towards the woman and holding a cane. He has a large nose, pronounced chin, wearing a black bicorne hat with a feather, and a red and gold military-style uniform. The woman is smiling, with a rounded face and curly hair with a white feather decoration. She wears a green dress with pink ribbons, yellow gloves, and pink shoes, holding a fan. In the background, there is a building named "Crescent" in a Georgian terrace style. A man in a blue coat carries a chair, and another man leans on a walking stick.
Thomas Rowlandson, The Successful Fortune Hunter, 1812, hand-colored etching, Gift of Addie Burr Clark, 1946.9.237

The Successful Fortune Hunter

Thomas Rowlandson · 1812 · hand-colored etching ·  Accession ID  1946.9.237