Cattle Not Insurable Possibly 1809

Thomas Rowlandson's satirical print "Cattle Not Insurable" (c. 1809) depicts a group of women in a small boat, being rescued from a sinking ship, the "Cattle," while they are in various states of undress and intoxication. The print was likely a commentary on the dangers of sea travel during the Napoleonic Wars and the perceived carelessness of women. Rowlandson, a prominent English artist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was known for his caricatures and his ability to capture the absurdity of everyday life. This print is a prime example of Rowlandson's satirical style, using humor and exaggeration to criticize the behavior of the people he depicts.