The Carter and the Gipsies
Original title: The Carter and the Gipsies
kurzbeschreibung
A carter on horseback leads his wagon through a river landscape, with several women riding or reclining on it. Thomas Rowlandson rendered this everyday encounter in a hand-colored etching dated 10 May 1815. The print shows Rowlandson as a sharp observer of English life, with a satirical eye and a lively hand.
Description
A river landscape sets the stage: a red-roofed house and trees line the horizon, while a rider pulls a cart behind him, on which several women sit or lie, each in her own posture. Earth tones dominate the palette, broken by bright patches in the women's clothing. The layout follows the movement of horse and wagon, and the sky above is covered with clouds.
Context
Rowlandson etched this sheet in 1815, a time shaped in England by the Napoleonic Wars and social upheaval. His satirical portrayals of English life often targeted the lower classes and marginal groups such as the Romani. The date of 10 May 1815 suggests publication as a single sheet, intended for the art market or as a political caricature.
Impact
Vivid colors and a bustling arrangement make the print immediately accessible. Humorous exaggeration meets a closely observed landscape, creating an entertaining effect that remains observant.
Technique
Rowlandson drew the etching with a needle onto the plate and colored the impression by hand afterward. The etching process allows fine lines and shading, while the hand coloring adds accents of color. The sheet measures 24.1 × 34.9 cm and belongs to a series of prints Rowlandson made in this technique.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)