SwissArtGallery · Documented identity
Thomas Rowlandson turns satirical printmaking into a space for observing social life: less concerned with politics than James Gillray, he depicts its aspects and incidents in a manner described as rather benevolent. His work for the publisher Rudolph Ackermann contributes to the circulation of his images. His technique combines reed-pen drawing, coloured wash and printmaking: the compositions are etched on copper and then aquatinted — generally by a professional engraver — before the impressions are hand-coloured.
Having set off for Paris in 1772, he studied for two years at a drawing academy, particularly the drawing of the human figure; he may have attended classes taught by Jean-Baptiste Pigalle. In 1775, he presented at the Royal Academy a drawing depicting Delilah visiting Samson in his prison. Two years later, he established himself as a portrait painter. On his aunt’s death, he inherited 7,000 pounds sterling. Thereafter, caricature became a means of earning a living for him, perhaps encouraged by the examples of James Gillray and Henry William Bunbury. A drawing of Vauxhall shown at the Royal Academy in 1784 was engraved by Pollard and became a successful print.
His works include the images for Dr Syntax: the series reached a fifth edition in 1813 and was continued with Dr Syntax in Search of Consolation in 1820 and The Third Tour of Dr Syntax in Search of a Wife in 1821. Rowlandson also illustrated works by Smollett, Goldsmith and Sterne, and produced erotic prints and woodcuts. His work also includes John Bull, a personification of the United Kingdom developed from around 1790, as well as caricatures related to the medical profession, whose development is associated with his friendship with John Wolcot around 1778.
His friend and patron Matthew Michell assembled hundreds of his paintings and exhibited them at his residence, Grove House, in Enfield. After Michell’s death, the contents of the house were sold at an eight-day sale in November 1818.
This profile brings together identity references for Thomas Rowlandson and paintings, drawings and works on paper documented in auction catalogues.
Piguet · DognyAuction
References include catalogue entries and available results; they do not all represent completed sales.
These references are shown separately because of their attribution or lot composition. Each record states the reason.
Encre et sepia sur papier
Bord de mer
Encre et sepia sur papier
Attribution ou qualification signalée dans le catalogue
Catalogue period : 2022-06-15
Attribution recorded in catalogue
Catalogue reference — sale not confirmed
Estimate : CHF 200–300
View the lot at the auction house ↗
Watercolour
Attribué à Thomas Rowlandson — Caricature de Herren Van den Noot, botaniste
aquarelle
attr. à
Catalogue period : 2016-12-14
Attributed to
Published result : 480 CHF
Fees not specified in the available data
Estimate : CHF 400–600
View the lot at the auction house ↗SwissArtGallery documentary note based on the cited sources. Titles, media and qualifications are provided in the profile language; the original catalogue wording remains available in each record.
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