![Thomas Rowlandson — A Sale of English-Beauties in the East Indies ([May 10, 1811], reprint, Met-Objekt 4410)](https://oldart.vernisio.com/archiv/Thomas_Rowlandson/Thomas_Rowlandson_A_Sale_of_English-Beauties_in_the_East_Indies_May_10_1811_reprint_gross.jpg)
A Sale of English-Beauties in the East Indies ([May 10, 1811], reprint, Met-Objekt 4410)
Original title: A Sale of English-Beauties in the East Indies
kurzbeschreibung
Thomas Rowlandson's caricature 'A Sale of English-Beauties in the East Indies' (reprint dated May 10, 1811) presents an auction in colonial East India. This hand-colored aquatint ridicules the sale of European women to Asian buyers.
Description
An auctioneer in a blue coat stands on a crate, hammer raised; beside him hangs a sign reading 'Elements of Nature.' Around him crowd figures in bright garments and hats, some with Asian-style headgear, others equipped with a large green basket or a stick. Ships on the water and a sign 'Warehouse for Unvaluable Goods from Europe' complete the scene. The layout is busy, the figures richly detailed, the colors vivid.
Context
The satire appeared as British trade and colonial interests in East India were expanding. It draws on contemporary notions of cultural encounter and the marriage market, employing stereotypes common to the era. That the print was reissued suggests a degree of circulation and demand for such satirical images.
Impact
The exaggerated facial features and costumes produce a humorous, sometimes grotesque effect, inviting a smile. Even lighting and strong colors support the caricatural lightness without imposing moral weight.
Technique
Hand-colored aquatint—a process allowing fine tonal gradations and valued for satirical prints in the early nineteenth century. Coloring was done by hand, so colors are strong and vary from sheet to sheet. The etching was printed on paper measuring 25.4 × 39.9 cm.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)