Wet Under Foot Possibly 1812

Thomas Rowlandson created "Wet Under Foot," a hand-colored etching, around 1812. Notice how the composition pulls you into a chaotic street scene through the use of diagonal lines of rain that unify the diverse elements in the picture. The artist masterfully employs caricature to satirize social types. The central figure, precariously balanced in elevated pattens, is buffoonish, with exaggerated features and flamboyant attire, destabilizing the established values of decorum. Consider how Rowlandson uses line and color to amplify the sense of disorder. The frenetic energy in the marks that depict rain, combined with the garish hues, creates a visually dynamic, if unsettling, effect. In this context, the title "Wet Under Foot" isn't just a description but a commentary. It underscores how Rowlandson uses formal elements to reflect a broader critique of social instability and the precariousness of human endeavors. The artwork functions as a sign, embodying cultural codes and challenging fixed meanings through its visual language.