Who painted La Table d'Hote?

La Table d'Hote was painted by Thomas Rowlandson in 1792.

Where can I see La Table d'Hote?

La Table d'Hote is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is La Table d'Hote?

La Table d'Hote is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of La Table d'Hote?

Museum-quality prints of La Table d'Hote are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

La Table d'Hote

Thomas Rowlandson , 1792

La Table d'Hote is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Thomas Rowlandson. It dates from 1792 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

La Table d'Hote, a hand-colored etching from 1792, exemplifies Thomas Rowlandson's observational approach to depicting Georgian Era society. Characteristic of his style, the print blends humor with commentary on everyday life.

Subject & Meaning

The etching portrays a bustling dining room scene where diners prioritize their meals over social interaction. Rowlandson uses satire to highlight the selfishness of the guests, with some figures blending into the background, emphasizing their lack of engagement.

Technique & Style

Rowlandson's hand-colored etching technique allows for vivid depiction of the bright, window-lit room. His satirical flair is evident in the exaggerated expressions and postures of the diners, while the blurred faces serve as a commentary on their anonymity and disconnection.

History & Provenance

Created in 1792, La Table d'Hote is part of Rowlandson's broader output of humorous and often satirical illustrations for books and topical works. The exact provenance of this specific print is not detailed here, but it aligns with his known body of work from this period.

Context

This work reflects Rowlandson's interest in caricaturing daily Georgian life, often with a political or social edge. La Table d'Hote sits within a corpus of works that use satire to critique contemporary manners and behaviors.

Legacy

As with much of Rowlandson's oeuvre, La Table d'Hote contributes to the legacy of Georgian-era social satire in art. Its themes of social commentary continue to provide insight into the era's values and mores.

Own this work as a print

Artist & collection

Artist

Thomas Rowlandson

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.