Great Cry and Little Wool (December 22, 1783, Met-Objekt 4286)
Original title: Great Cry and Little Wool
kurzbeschreibung
Thomas Rowlandson made this hand-colored etching on December 22, 1783, under the title "Great Cry and Little Wool." It presents a satirical episode: a winged man struggles with a horned sheep or goat, while India House and passers-by appear behind them.
Description
A winged man wrestles with a large, humanlike beast bearing horns and resembling a sheep or goat. The man holds a pair of shears in his hand and seems intent on shearing the creature. A street scene unfolds behind them, with several figures and a building inscribed "India House." The palette stays mostly in greys and whites, given subtle accents by the hand coloring. Proportions are exaggerated and the layout dynamic, in a style close to caricature.
Context
The etching dates from December 1783, a period of political and economic strife in Britain after the American War of Independence. The India House shown points to the East India Company, then under heavy public criticism. Rowlandson was known for satirical commentary on current events and social abuses.
Impact
The overblown scene is funny and critical at once, and it draws a smile from the viewer. The tussle's energy and the absurd pairing of wings and shears sharpen the print's satirical tone.
Technique
This is an etching, colored by hand afterward. The etching process allowed fine lines and detail, while the hand coloring gave each impression an individual character. The palette remains restrained, centered on greys and whites.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)