The Pit Door / La Porte du Parterre 1784

"The Pit Door" (1784) by Robert Dighton the Elder is a satirical print depicting the crowded entrance to the pit of a London theatre. The scene is chaotic, with people jostling and pushing to get in, while some have already lost their hats and shoes in the commotion. The artist uses caricature to exaggerate the features and expressions of the figures, creating a humorous and slightly absurd representation of the social scene. This artwork showcases the artist’s keen observation of human behavior. This etching, also titled “La Porte du Parterre” is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.