Doctor Syntax Meditating on the Tomb Stones, from The Tour of Doctor Syntax - Thomas Rowlandson

Gift of Mrs. James Ward Thorne

"Doctor Syntax Meditating on the Tomb Stones, from The Tour of Doctor Syntax" by Thomas Rowlandson (c. 1812) Hand-colored etching and acquaint on ivory wove paper.

Commentary

"Doctor Syntax Meditating on the Tomb Stones, from The Tour of Doctor Syntax" by Thomas Rowlandson (c. 1812) invites a close look at how form and feeling work together. The print-based method rewards close vi ewing, where line, texture, and contrast do most of the expressive work. Themes to notice include etching. This piece is held in the source collection's Prints and Drawings collection. Thomas Rowlandson is the artist behind this work. A useful anchor for reading the piece: Thomas Rowlandson (English, 1756-1827) published by Rudolph Ackermann (English, 1764-1834). The work is cataloged within a England cultural context. How to look at this work: It is cataloged as etching, which gives a clue to how the museum frames the object. Its medium (Hand-colored etching and acquaint on ivory wove paper) affects texture, durability, and how detail reads at different distances. Subject cues from the catalog include etching. Compare this reading with the museum record at the source collection: https://www.artic.edu/artworks/133375

Sources: Art Institute of Chicago; Art Institute of Chicago / Public Records; Art Institute of Chicago Collection Data