Rowlandson the Caricaturist; a Selection from His Works. Vol. 2

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

45981

Title

Rowlandson the Caricaturist; a Selection from His Works. Vol. 2

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume collects Joseph Rowlandson's satirical caricatures from 1800–1825, offering a humorous yet biting critique of British society, politics, and the Napoleonic Wars. With over 400 illustrations, it captures the era's absurdities through witty commentary on everything from fashion and matrimony to the Duke of York scandal.

Summary up to 500 words

Rowlandson the Caricaturist; a Selection from His Works. Vol. 2, edited by Joseph Grego, offers a comprehensive collection of the prints created by Joseph Rowlandson between 1800 and 1825. Accompanied by Grego's anecdotal descriptions, the volume serves as both a historical record of early 19th-century British culture and a testament to Rowlandson's mastery of the caricature form. The collection spans two decades, beginning with works like 'Le Brun Travestied' and 'Dr. Botherum the Mountebank,' and continuing through the turbulent years of the Napoleonic Wars. Rowlandson's art targets a wide array of subjects, including the follies of the upper classes, the miseries of the poor, political corruption involving the Duke of York, and the absurdities of contemporary life. Notable series include 'Attributes,' 'Country Characters,' and 'Matrimonial Comforts.' The volume features iconic plates such as 'Gaffer Goodman,' where Death interrupts a selfish yeoman's pipe, and 'The Family of Children,' where a father refuses to let Death take any of his many offspring. Political satire is prominent, with numerous depictions of Napoleon ('Boney') and the Duke of York's scandalous investigation. Rowlandson also illustrates literary works like Sterne's 'Sentimental Journey' and Smollett's novels. The tone is consistently humorous, blending social observation with sharp wit. The book serves as an enduring resource for understanding the period's social and political climate, capturing everything from the 'Miseries of London' to the 'Pleasures of Margate.' Through his illustrations, Rowlandson provides a vivid snapshot of life in Britain during an era of significant change, from the Walcheren Expedition to the closing of the war with France. The collection remains a vital document of the era's artistic and social landscape.

LLM editorial rating

4.5/5

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Categories

• Biography
• Art