Grog on Board 1789

"Grog on Board" is a satirical print by Thomas Rowlandson, created in 1789. The artwork depicts a group of individuals, including a woman reclining on a barrel, engaged in a scene of debauchery, likely on a ship. The exaggerated features and comical expressions of the characters are characteristic of Rowlandson's style, known for his humorous and often critical portrayals of social life in 18th-century England. Rowlandson’s prints, often referred to as caricatures, were popular among the middle class. This particular piece humorously illustrates the social scene of alcohol consumption, gambling, and leisure, exposing the behaviors and social dynamics prevalent during that period.