Slugs in a Sawpit

1791

Thomas Rowlandson

Associated Names
Thomas Rowlandson

Artist, British, 1756 - 1827

This is a painting of two men facing each other in a saw-pit, engaged in a confrontation through a telescope-like device. The figure on the left wears a blue coat with gold trimming and a tricorne hat, while the figure on the right is in a red coat with a black hat. They appear to be scrutinizing each other through the shared object. The setting is a saw-pit with wood shavings, saws, and a ladder leading out. The expressions and postures of the figures convey a sense of absurdity and satire. In the background, a third figure peers over the edge of the pit. The painting features expressive lines and subtle coloring, typical of satirical work from the late 18th century. This follows the style of Thomas Rowlandson.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    hand-colored etching

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 32.7 × 40.8 cm (12 7/8 × 16 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1945.5.630

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Grego 1880, Vol. I, no. 296

Associated Artworks

See all 196 artworks

Embarking from Brighthelmstone to Dieppe

Thomas Rowlandson

1787

This is an image of a red book cover. The cover is made of red leather with gold inscriptions and decorations. The words "CARICATURES. II." are printed in large, gold uppercase letters in the center of the book, above an ornate gold emblem. The border is embellished with gold lines and small golden bird motifs at the corners. The leather is textured, giving the book a luxurious and vintage look.

Caricatures (volume II)

Thomas Rowlandson

1756

Embarking from Brighthelmstone to Dieppe

Thomas Rowlandson

1787


Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1880

  • Grego, Joseph. Rowlandson the caricaturist; a selection from his works with anecdotal descriptions of his famous caricatures. 2 vols. London: Chattoand Windus, 1880. Reprint. New York: Collector's Editions, 1970.

Wikidata ID

Q65084386

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