Doctor Syntax and the Book Seller, from The Tour of Doctor Syntax c. 1812

"Doctor Syntax and the Book Seller" is a watercolor and ink drawing created by renowned English artist Thomas Rowlandson in c. 1812. It is one of a series of plates that illustrate the humorous poem "The Tour of Doctor Syntax." The image depicts the titular Doctor Syntax, a caricature of a pompous and eccentric clergyman, amidst a chaotic scene in a bookshop. The lively scene is full of exaggerated figures engaged in comical activities, characteristic of Rowlandson's satirical style. The artist is known for his witty social commentary and his use of caricature to expose the follies and absurdities of his time. This satirical work, housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, provides a glimpse into 19th-century British society and the culture of reading.