Bartholomew Fair

1807

Thomas Rowlandson, after John Nixon

Associated Names
Thomas Rowlandson

Artist, British, 1756 - 1827

John Nixon

Artist After, British, c. 1750 - 1818

This is a painting of a fair scene with various activities and performances taking place in an open square. The scene is lively with many figures engaged in different forms of entertainment and social interaction. To the left, there is a grand building with ornate architectural details. The scene captures swings, shows and performances on stages, a diverse crowd, and vendors selling goods. The background shows a large church with tall spires, while the foreground includes details such as dogs and performers. The attire is colorful and detailed, creating a vivid and animated portrayal of a fairground scene. This painting is in the style of Thomas Rowlandson.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and stipple with hand coloring on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to platemark): 24.5 × 35.7 cm (9 5/8 × 14 1/16 in.)
    mount: 32.1 × 50.8 cm (12 5/8 × 20 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1945.5.1227

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Grego 1880, Vol. II, no. 92

Associated Artworks

See all 168 artworks
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

Provenance

William Augustus Fraser (1826-1898), London (Lugt 2831)

Associated Names

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.

Inscriptions

recto: in plate, above image, at right: 7; in plate, below image, at right: Rowlandson Scul.; in plate, below image, at right: John. Nixon esq.r De.; on mount, in graphite at lower left in later hand: Unique proof / 1667 1808; on mount, in graphite at lower right: Bartholomew Fair Proof GII-92 / (B-12, 402); verso: at center in graphite in later hand: 390

Markings

recto: on mount: William Augustus Fraser (Lugt 2831)

Watermarks

none

Wikidata ID

Q65086532

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