Grog on Board

Grog on Board

Thomas Rowlandson

1789

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

A crowded room of odd-looking people sits around a table, drinking and laughing. The walls are rough brick, and a cat naps in the corner. One man in a hat leans in, grinning, while another holds a jug. The colors are muted, and the lines are scratchy, like someone drew fast with a pen. This sketch pokes fun at people drinking something called "grog"—a mix of rum and water, often given to sailors. The messy, exaggerated faces make it feel like a joke. If you like this style, look up etching to see how artists made prints like this.

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