Doctor Syntax slapend in een bibliotheek 1812 - 1821

"Doctor Syntax Slapend in een bibliotheek," a hand-colored etching by renowned English artist Thomas Rowlandson, is a satirical commentary on the excesses of intellectual pursuit. The artwork depicts a man, presumably Doctor Syntax, asleep in an armchair surrounded by books, with more books and pages swirling around him in his dream. Rowlandson's sharp wit and meticulous detail bring to life the absurdity of a scholar overwhelmed by knowledge, offering a humorous critique of the pursuit of learning. The work is a testament to Rowlandson's skill in capturing the foibles of human nature and the satirical nature of the early 19th century.