Artwork
The Rev. Dr. Syntax Loses his Money on the Raceground at York
The Rev. Dr. Syntax Loses his Money on the Raceground at York is a print by Thomas Rowlandson. It dates from 1801 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1964.13
- Credit line
- Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Prasse Collection
About this work
The crowd fills the balconies and spills out onto the ground, while a small group in the front watches the race with mixed reactions.
This drawing shows a chaotic horse race in front of a big, crowded building. People are scattered everywhere, some cheering, others falling, and a few riding horses that look wild. The crowd fills the balconies and spills out onto the ground, while a small group in the front watches the race with mixed reactions.
The artist packed in tiny details, like the tiny figures on the rooftop and the windmill in the background. The scene feels messy but lively, almost like a snapshot of a real event.
Check out Thomas Rowlandson (British, 1756–1827) for more playful, crowded scenes like this.
Overview
Created around 1801 by British artist Thomas Rowlandson, The Rev. Dr. Syntax Loses his Money on the Raceground at York is a satirical print capturing a chaotic scene at a horse race in York.
Subject & Meaning
The print satirically depicts the misfortune of Rev. Dr. Syntax amidst a frenzied horse race, critiquing human folly through exaggerated and humorous representation of contemporary figures and events.
Technique & Style
Rowlandson's characteristic use of detailed, crowded compositions is evident, with tiny figures, dynamic horse poses, and a bustling background (including a windmill and rooftop spectators), creating a lively, snapshot-like effect.
History & Provenance
Part of Rowlandson's satirical print series from the Georgian Era, this work is typical of his politically and socially observant style, though specific provenance details are not provided here.
Context
Reflecting the Georgian Era's societal norms and Rowlandson's penchant for satire, the print comments on the era's gambling culture and public spectacles, using humor to highlight the absurdity of the scene.
Legacy
This print contributes to Rowlandson's legacy as a prominent caricaturist, influencing subsequent satirical artists with its blend of social commentary and vivid, chaotic depictions of everyday life.
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.
