A White Serjeant [sic] Giving the Word of Command: "Why don't you come to bed you drunken sot."

Artist Thomas Rowlandson (British, 1756 - 1827)

Date1807

MediumHand colored etching on paper

DimensionsOverall: 9 9/16 x 13 1/16in. (24.3 x 33.2cm)
Image: 8 5/8 x 12 5/8in. (21.9 x 32.1cm)

ClassificationsPRINTS

Credit LineGift of Edward W. Root

Terms

19th Century

Object number53.160

DescriptionA White Serjeant Giving the word of Command

On View

Not on view

Collections

Graphic Arts

CopyrightNo known copyright restrictions.

Label TextRowlandson established his reputation in the 1780s for his insightful images of contemporary English life. He was a brilliant draftsman whose rapid, loose style of drawing was ideally suited for the type of popular prints that were his specialty. His works ranged from political satire and caricature to commentaries on domestic customs and manners. In this etching Rowlandson commented on the pleasures and tensions of domestic life. The man is shown comfortably seated near a large fireplace and is engaged in, or there are references to, various gentlemanly pursuits: smoking, drinking, hunting and riding. He seems blissfully uninterested in the revealed charms of the woman who hectors him to come to bed. Strategically placed on the mantle above the fireplace is a book titled, "Rule a Wife and Have a W[L?]ife." Another book on the table in the foreground is opened to a page with an inscription that reads, "Miseries of Human Life." Another inscription at the bottom of the print indicates that it was issued by Rudolph Ackerman with whom Rowlandson collaborated on a number of successful publishing projects. PDS February 2005