The Peep Show

Thomas Rowlandson

Associated Names
Thomas Rowlandson

Artist, British, 1756 - 1827

This is a drawing of a group of people gathered around a large box-like structure with a window and a flag. The scene depicts several individuals closely inspecting or engaging with what appears to be some form of a large play object or mock-up building, complete with a depiction of windows and a mounted blue flag on top. The box-like structure features artistic embellishments, giving it an ornate appearance. Around this object are nine figures, dressed in a variety of eighteenth-century styles, with one figure carrying a large bundle on their back. The setting is in a plain outdoor environment, with soft, muted colors predominating the drawing.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with watercolor over graphite on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Paul Mellon Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 13.9 x 18.2 cm (5 1/2 x 7 3/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1986.72.15


Artwork history & notes

Wikidata ID

Q64633275

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