The Successful Fortune Hunter, or Captain Shelalee Leading Miss Marrowfat to the Temple of Hymen
Original title: The Successful Fortune Hunter, or Captain Shelalee Leading Miss Marrowfat to the Temple of Hymen
kurzbeschreibung
Thomas Rowlandson's 1802 etching pokes fun at the marriage morals of his day. A uniformed officer leads an elaborately dressed woman toward a scene that suggests a wedding. The hand-colored print targets the era's pursuit of dowries and social rank.
Description
A man in military uniform, top hat on his head and a stick in his hand, escorts a woman with voluminous hair and a pearl necklace. Two other figures flank the group at the sides, one in plain dress, another in a jacket. Behind them rise buildings bearing signs such as 'Crescent'. Brown, gray, and beige tones dominate the coloring, with light falling evenly across the sheet.
Context
When Rowlandson made this caricature in 1802, satirical prints were immensely popular in England. The 'fortune hunter' type, who marries a wealthy woman purely for her money, was a common theme in contemporary satire. This print belongs to a series mocking social characters and marriage strategies.
Impact
Exaggerated expressions and the wooden posture of the figures create a comic effect. The restrained coloring and clear linework give the sheet a calm yet ironic tone that carries the satirical spirit.
Technique
Rowlandson's print was made as a hand-colored etching: lines were etched into a copper plate, then watercolors were applied by hand. The line weight varies, pointing to a precise preparatory drawing; the colors are used sparingly, as was usual for his prints.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)