Setting Out from Edinburgh, from Boswell's Tour of the Hebrides 1786

This print, "Setting Out from Edinburgh," was made by Thomas Rowlandson, likely around 1786, using etching. It's a fairly democratic medium, capable of capturing fine detail but also easily reproduced for a wide audience. Note how Rowlandson’s lines are not just descriptive, but deeply expressive. The figures seem almost caricatures, bursting with energy and attitude. That’s partly down to his process. The etched line can vary depending on the pressure applied, giving a sense of immediacy, like a quick sketch. Think about the labor involved. Rowlandson had to be a skilled draughtsman to create this image, but the printmaking process also allowed for a wider distribution. Prints like these were often sold as social commentary, poking fun at the elite while also making art accessible to a broader public. So, next time you look at a print, remember it’s not just an image, it’s the product of a whole social and economic system.