Thomas Rowlandson (b. 1756)

Born: 1756 July 13 in London, England, United Kingdom

Died: 1827 April 21 in London, England, United Kingdom

Biography: Thomas Rowlandson was an English artist and caricaturist of the Georgian Era, noted for his political satire and social observation. A prolific artist and printmaker, Rowlandson produced a wide variety of illustrations for novels, joke books, and topographical works. Like other contemporary pre-Victorian caricaturists such as James Gillray, he, too, depicted characters in bawdy postures and he also produced erotica which was censured by the 1840s. His caricatures included those of people in power such as the Duchess of Devonshire, William Pitt and Napoleon Bonaparte.

His work included a personification of the United Kingdom named John Bull who was developed from about 1790 in conjunction with other British satirical artists such as Gillray and George Cruikshank. He also produced many works depicting the characters involved in election campaigns and race meetings. However, his satirical works of London's street life such as the "pleasure gardens at Vauxhall, jostling with soldiers, students, tarts and society beauties," which exhibit acute social observation and commentary are amongst his finest.

Rowlandson's caricatures include those on the medical profession which developed through his friendship with John Wolcot around 1778. He also earned money illustrating books of physicians and quacks. Later in life, he also produced caricatures on medical themes.

Name:

    Thomas Rowlandson Type: Name at Birth
    Given name: Thomas Family name: Rowlandson

Art Influences:

Influences by Thomas Rowlandson (b. 1756) were stated by:
  1. Rodolphe Töpffer (b. 1799)

Non Comics Works:

  1. Publication Title: Poetical Magazine (magazine) - Role: artist - Years: 1809 - 1811
    Employer Name : Rudolph Ackermann
    Work Title: The Schoolmaster’s Tour

  2. Publication Title: The Dance of Life (book) - Role: artist - Years: 1816 - 1817
    Employer Name : Rudolph Ackermann

  3. Publication Title: The English Dance of Death (book) - Role: artist - Years: 1815 - 1816
    Employer Name : Rudolph Ackermann

  4. Publication Title: The Second Tour of Dr. Syntax in Search of Consolation (book) - Role: artist - Year: 1820
    Employer Name : Rudolph Ackermann

  5. Publication Title: The Third Tour of Dr. Syntax in Search of a Wife (book) - Role: artist - Year: 1821
    Employer Name : Rudolph Ackermann

  6. Publication Title: Tour of Dr. Syntax in Search of the Picturesque (book) - Role: artist - Year: 1812
    Employer Name : Rudolph Ackermann


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