Artwork
A Soldier's Widow
A Soldier's Widow is an ink drawing by the Romanticist artist Thomas Rowlandson. It dates from 1818 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
A Soldier's Widow is a drawing by Thomas Rowlandson, created in 1818 using watercolor, pen, and ink on paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a woman, likely a widow, with a worn expression and old-fashioned attire, including a wide-brimmed hat with a feather. Her serious demeanor and tired appearance suggest a somber mood.
Technique & Style
Rowlandson employed a range of techniques, including sanguine wash, graphite, and layered watercolor, to achieve a sketchy, observational style. The use of quick lines and soft colors captures the subject's worn appearance.
Context
The work reflects Rowlandson's experience as a caricaturist and illustrator, producing satirical scenes of contemporary life. Created during a period of prolific output, A Soldier's Widow is characteristic of his later work, which often featured illustrations for books and prints.
Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Rowlandson (; 13 July 1757 – 21 April 1827) was an English artist and caricaturist of the Georgian Era, noted for his political satire and social observation.
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