Artwork
Downfall of Monopoly in 1800
Downfall of Monopoly in 1800 is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Thomas Rowlandson. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Thomas Rowlandson’s hand‑colored etching Downfall of Monopoly in 1800 is a satirical print dating from the year 1800.
Thomas Rowlandson’s hand‑colored etching Downfall of Monopoly in 1800 is a satirical print dating from the year 1800. Executed by the English caricaturist known for his prolific output of political and social commentary, the work employs a chaotic composition to lampoon contemporary power structures, likely targeting monopolistic practices in the economic or governmental sphere of the Georgian period.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a towering skeleton astride a horse, crushing a throng of figures dressed in late‑eighteenth‑century attire. Some victims bear mock labels such as “Hops” and “Short Measure,” while others scream or struggle. A distant tower marked “Road to Hell” and a looming figure with a spear add to the sense of impending disaster, underscoring the artist’s critique of unchecked authority.
Technique & Style
Rowlandson combined traditional etching with hand‑applied color, using bold pigments to heighten the drama. Exaggerated proportions, sharp lines, and vivid hues amplify the scene’s frenetic energy. The blend of grotesque humor and violent imagery reflects the conventions of early‑nineteenth‑century political cartoons, where caricature served as a vehicle for pointed social criticism.
History & Provenance
Created during the height of Rowlandson’s career, the print aligns with his extensive work in both single‑issue satires and illustrated books. It circulated among the same market that supported contemporaries such as James Gillray, offering a visual commentary on the economic debates of the era. Original impressions remain in several public collections, documenting the print’s continued relevance to studies of Georgian satire.
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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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