8. Thomas Rowlandson
(1756-1827)
Death Taking the Young Mother

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Rowlandson: Death Taking the Young Mother

Death Taking the Young Mother

Pen and ink and watercolor, 200 x 159 mm., ex collection: Dr. John Percy (1817-1889) (Lugt 1504). This drawing, presumably intended for Rowlandson's satiric English Dance of Death series, 1814-16, was probably omitted from those volumes because of the use here of classically-garbed figures and a vertical format. The medieval dance of death theme rests on the idea that death finds human companions from the various strata of society, regardless of rank or condition. Rowlandson's version was meant to appeal both to those familiar with the theme and those who were not. He created the series to reflect particularly the eccentric customs and characters of his native England, though this image clearly does not evoke the contemporary. However, this exceptional drawing does simulate the on-going general obsession with drawing from Antiquity, which was in its heyday toward the end of his career. While there appears to be no comic intention in the content of this picture, Rowlandson's characteristic buoyant line may prevent one from taking the drawing too seriously. A very fine drawing, colors fresh.