Artwork
Modern Antiques
Modern Antiques is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Thomas Rowlandson. It dates from 1811 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Thomas Rowlandson's hand-colored etching 'Modern Antiques' dates to around 1811. It is a satirical print characteristic of the Georgian Era's visual culture.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a chaotic scene with fantastical and real figures, including a blue-skinned crowned figure and individuals in historical and contemporary attire. The juxtaposition of mythical creatures and people in the scene appears to satirize traditional art forms.
Technique & Style
The etching features soft, hand-colored hues and scratchy lines, giving it a rough, handmade appearance. The visual style and technique are typical of Rowlandson's satirical works and the broader tradition of British printmaking.
Context
Rowlandson was a prolific caricaturist known for his sharp commentary on politics and society. 'Modern Antiques' is part of his extensive output, which included book illustrations and standalone satires that critiqued the manners, politics, and culture of his time.
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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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