A Jemmy
Original title: A Jemmy
kurzbeschreibung
A young man in the height of 1790s fashion stands alone in Thomas Rowlandson's etching with aquatint A Jemmy, dated 1 December 1790. The upright plate measures 33 by 21.5 cm and presents the dandy as a satirical character.
Description
A youth appears in a black tricorn hat, a dark buttoned coat, a white neckcloth, trousers and boots. His right hand holds a loop. The setting stays bare; only cast shadows set off the silhouette. The title 'a Jemmy' is engraved at the top, and a quotation from the Book of Proverbs (chapter 7, verse 1) at the bottom.
Context
Rowlandson published this caricature at a time when 'Jemmy' meant a fashion-conscious young gentleman, often considered superficial. The print appeared in England in 1790, an era of social upheaval when mockery of fashion follies flourished. The biblical verse serves as an ironic contrast to the moral admonitions directed at the dandy.
Impact
The sparse surroundings and precise linework draw the eye to the figure. The combination of fashionable elegance and biblical reference creates a detached, humorous tone that invites a smile without being preachy.
Technique
The print was executed as an etching with aquatint, a process that allows fine tonal gradations. The aquatint produces soft shadow areas, while the etched lines sharply define the contours of clothing and face.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)