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C1817
Blest hymen, whose propitious hour restores to virtue all its power.
Artist:
Scarce comical aquatint of Dr. Syntax by Thomas Rowlandson (1757-1827). Dr. Syntax, brought to life by artist Thomas Rowlandson and writer William Combe in 1809, and is widely credited with the creation of this character. Rowlandson drew inspiration from an … Read Full Description
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Details
Full Title:
Blest hymen, whose propitious hour restores to virtue all its power.
Date:
C1817
Artist:
Condition:
In good condition.
Technique:
Aquatint with original hand colouring.
Image Size:
189mm
x 114mm
Paper Size:
224mm
x 137mm
AUTHENTICITY
Genuine antique
dated:
1817
Description:
Scarce comical aquatint of Dr. Syntax by Thomas Rowlandson (1757-1827).
Dr. Syntax, brought to life by artist Thomas Rowlandson and writer William Combe in 1809, and is widely credited with the creation of this character. Rowlandson drew inspiration from an elderly clergyman named Reverend Ralph Baron, whose drab sermon Rowlandson witnessed at St. Breward’s Church in Cornwall. Baron’s emaciated form, devoid of vitality, seemed almost skeletal, with his bones seemingly serving as his flesh. His profile featured a prominent chin and nose, easily turned into a crescent moon caricature by Rowlandson.
Rowlandson also infused elements of a cleric and educator named William Gilpin into Dr. Syntax’s persona. Gilpin was renowned for his travels across the country and his documentation of picturesque landscapes.
From: Rowlandson, Thomas. The Dance of Life, A Poem, by the Author of “Doctor Syntax. Published Rudolph Ackermann, London.
References:
Tooley, R.V. English books with coloured plates, 1790 to 1860. Folkstone 1973 : 411.
Abbey, J.R. Life in England. London 1953: 264.
Collections:
Met Museum New York: Accession Number: 59.533.1641(1-26)
Yale University Library & Art Gallery: PR3359.C5 E54 1815
State Library Victoria: RARES 821.79 C73E
State Library New South Wales: Call Numbers:DSM/827.79/C
Thomas Rowlandson (1757 - 1827)
Thomas Rowlandson (1757 - 1827) was a draughtsman and printmaker whose distinctive social satire has become integral to the popular vision of late Georgian Britain. He was born in London in 1757 and educated at Dr Barwis’ school on Soho Square before attending the Royal Academy Schools from the age of fifteen. Rowlandson lived in the centre of London throughout his life, although he made several trips to continental Europe. Unusually for a Royal Academy student, Rowlandson seems never to have worked in oils, gravitating instead towards producing sketches and etchings for the print trade. Rowlandson began by making scabrous satires in the vein of his close friend and contemporary James Gillray, often on subjects such as the politicians William Pitt and Charles James Fox, the misdemeanours of the young prince of Wales (and future George IV), and events in post-revolutionary France. Unlike Gillray, however, he was equally adept making lyrical drawings and watercolours on a range of subjects, from imitations of Old Master paintings to picturesque landscapes. Rowlandson worked for many print publishers but his most important employer was Rudolph Ackermann, who kept Rowlandson in almost continual employment from 1798 onwards, making drawings for a wide range of books that exploited Rowlandson’s range for lyrical topography and gentle caricature. Rowlandson’s drawings and watercolours were also collected by many wealthy patrons. Rowlandson was healthy and industrious up until the last two years of his life. He died in 1827 and was buried in the church of St Paul’s, Covent Garden. Rowlandson’s work was neglected during the conservative Victorian period but since the 20th century he has been reappraised as one of the greatest of British graphic artists.
