Artwork

The Rev. Dr. Syntax Reading his Tour

The Rev. Dr. Syntax Reading his Tour, by Thomas Rowlandson, 1801
The Rev. Dr. Syntax Reading his Tour, by Thomas Rowlandson, 1801

The Rev. Dr. Syntax Reading his Tour is a print by Thomas Rowlandson. It dates from 1801 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Rev.

About this work

Overview

The Rev. Dr. Syntax Reading his Tour is a print created by Thomas Rowlandson around 1801. It is a representative work of the British artist, known for his satirical and humorous depictions of contemporary society.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a scene of people gathered around Dr. Syntax, who is reading from a book. The satirical tone is characteristic of Rowlandson's caricatures, which often targeted figures in power and cultural trends.

Technique & Style

Rowlandson's use of composition and color creates a sense of energy and movement. The figures are arranged to guide the viewer's eye around the room, generating a dynamic atmosphere.

History & Provenance

The print is now held at The Cleveland Museum of Art, reflecting its significance within Rowlandson's oeuvre and the broader context of early 19th-century British satire.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Thomas Rowlandson

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.