Rowlandson the Caricaturist; a Selection from His Works. Vol. 2Grego, Joseph
History
Rowlandson the Caricaturist; a Selection from His Works. Vol. 2
Grego, Joseph
English wit and humor, Pictorial; Rowlandson, Thomas, 1756-1827
_March 10, 1811._ _She Stoops to Conquer._ Published by T. Tegg
(61).--The central room of a prison. Various strong doors and
iron-grated windows open on the chamber. Bolts, padlocks, and strings
of fetters indicate the nature of the security. Behind a grating is
seen a prisoner, on whose behalf a buxom damsel is supposed to 'stoop
to conquer,' since by dint of a plentiful repast, renewed strong
potations, and those tender cajoleries which are believed to be the
special weapons of the fair, the lady is evidently endeavouring to
gain possession of the precious keys which will enable her to set her
imprisoned swain at liberty.
_March 12, 1811._ _The Anatomist._ Published by T. Tegg (60).--The
meaning of this print is not very obvious. It may be assumed that
Dr. Sawbones has secured a new subject; but whether an admirer of
the anatomist's lady has had himself conveyed into her presence by
simulating death, or changing places with the 'subject,' does not
appear. However, the critical situation of the lively gentleman on
trestles does not seem conducive to a tranquil frame of mind; the
operator is deliberately getting out his saws, knives, scissors, and
other repellent anatomical instruments in a business-like spirit,
for he has, according to an announcement, to deliver _A Course of
Anatomical Lectures, accompanied with Dissections_, and he is in want
of a subject for demonstration. The lady, filled with the direst
apprehensions, is trying to impress on the anatomist the remarkable and
unusual fact that the dead man has returned to life.
_March 16, 1811._ _Sailors on Horseback._ Published by T. Tegg
(62).--This print is one of the numerous instances of subjects designed
by amateurs and given to Rowlandson to engrave, and, in most respects,
to put into shape. According to the humours of this print four sailors,
mounted on horseback, are going off on an equestrian cruise by the
seashore. The British Tar most at his ease has been lashed with strong
cables to the back of his steed beyond a chance of drifting loose:
'Here I come, my hearties, right and tight--smart sailing; but never
mind that--I can't be cast away, for my commander, Heavens bless him,
has lashed me to the deck with some tough old cables!' His neighbour,
who has a restive horse, requests, 'Keep more to the starboard, and be
d---- to you; don't you see how you make my vessel run ahead!' A third,
riding behind, is mounted on an animal who is taking into his head to
launch out in the rear: 'D---- me, how she heaves; why, this is worse
than a jolly-boat in the Bay of Biscay!' A comrade, having had a spill,
has been left on the road, and is in danger of being run over: 'Mind
what you are at, messmates, for I am upset, and the frigate I came on
board of has been under way without me this half-hour.'
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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