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Open 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Through September 5
Exhibitions & Events
America’s 250th

Celebrating American art and artists
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Ducking a Scold

1809

Thomas Rowlandson

Associated Names

Thomas Rowlandson

Artist, British, 1756 - 1827

There is a painting of a scene with a group of people surrounding a ducking chair apparatus. The central focus is the ducking stool, with a figure partially submerged in water. The figure's expression suggests displeasure. The onlookers are depicted with exaggerated expressions and gestures, adding action to the scene. The crowd wears colorful costumes and a small animal is balancing on a wooden bowl in the water. Architectural details in the background include visible windows with observers peeking out.

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Artwork overview

Medium

hand-colored etching
Credit Line

Rosenwald Collection
Dimensions

sheet: 32.1 × 23.6 cm (12 5/8 × 9 5/16 in.)
Accession Number

1945.5.1188
Catalogue Raisonné

Grego 1880, Vol. II, no. 42

This is a painting of a comedic and busy scene in an antiquities shop or museum. The image shows an eclectic collection of artifacts displayed, including a partially opened sarcophagus with a vibrant sarcophagus to its right. Various sculptures and busts surround the scene, depicting mythical or historical figures contributing to the antiquated setting. The shelves are packed with a variety of vases differing in size and design, referencing ancient artifacts from different cultures. At the bottom of the image are scrolls, statues, and smaller objects adding to the chaotic yet fascinating atmosphere. The style resembles that of Thomas Rowlandson, known for vivid, satirical depictions and bustling compositions filled with lively detail. — Modern Antiques

Thomas Rowlandson

1811

Caricatures (volume VI)

Thomas Rowlandson

1756

Modern Antiques

Thomas Rowlandson

1811

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

Q65086397

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