A Touch on the Times (December 29, 1788, Met-Objekt 4264)
Original title: A Touch on the Times
kurzbeschreibung
Thomas Rowlandson's hand-coloured etching 'A Touch on the Times' (1788) sets an allegorical stage where political and social forces collide. A woman in classical dress personifies virtue, surrounded by figures carrying signs lettered 'LIBERTY' and 'COMMERCIAL'.
Description
A female figure holding a snake stands on a staircase whose steps bear the words 'PUBLICK SAFETY' and 'THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE'. To her right, someone raises a placard reading 'LIBERTY' and a lantern; to her left, another person carries a sign marked 'COMMERCIAL'. Further figures appear in the rear, hinting at various emotions and behaviours. Blues and reds dominate the palette, and the light falls evenly across the scene.
Context
The print appeared in December 1788, when Britain was shaken by political unrest: King George III's illness had triggered a regency crisis. Rowlandson took up debates about the role of the people and the safety of the state in satirical works. The symbols 'LIBERTY' and 'COMMERCIAL' point to contemporary discussions of freedom and trade.
Impact
The dynamic arrangement of figures and strong colours create a tense atmosphere that highlights the many voices of public opinion. The satirical style, with exaggerated portrayals and symbolic elements, invites critical reflection on the political conditions of the time.
Technique
A hand-coloured etching whose delicate lines and colour transitions suggest careful printing. The sheet measures 27.3 × 38.7 cm; the impression shows a slight blurring that resulted from the printing process.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)