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

published 1813

Thomas Rowlandson

Associated Names
Thomas Rowlandson

Artist, British, 1756 - 1827

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.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    hand-colored etching

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 34.7 × 54.7 cm (13 11/16 × 21 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1945.5.1220

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Grego 1880, Vol. II, no. 267

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

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

Q65086508

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