Tastes Differ 1785

Thomas Rowlandson created this etching titled "Tastes Differ," capturing a domestic scene filled with telling contrasts. Here, we observe a lady asleep on a settee while a man intently examines a large book. Consider the book itself, a symbol of knowledge and perhaps escape for the man, versus the woman's slumber, suggesting a different form of retreat. The motif of sleep appears throughout art history, often tied to themes of innocence or vulnerability. Think of sleeping figures in classical sculptures or Renaissance paintings, each reflecting cultural attitudes toward rest and wakefulness. The contrast between activity and passivity may evoke the psychological tensions, and silent dialogues between the man and woman. This tableau speaks to how personal inclinations can diverge, highlighting the complexity of human relationships and the silent narratives within shared spaces.