Study for Dr. Syntax made Free of the Cellar c. 1812

This watercolor and pen and ink drawing was made by Thomas Rowlandson, likely sometime in the early 1800s. Look closely, and you’ll see the rapid, sketchy lines and the way the colors are loosely applied, almost like a wash. This technique was popular for satirical prints, which were often produced quickly and cheaply for mass consumption. Rowlandson was a master of this genre, using his skills to poke fun at the social and political life of his time. The material qualities of the print—its lightness, its portability, its affordability—all contributed to its accessibility and impact. The scene depicts a group of men celebrating in a wine cellar. The figures are exaggerated and grotesque, reflecting Rowlandson’s satirical intent. The subject matter, too, is telling. Wine was a commodity, and the cellar a place of storage and consumption. Rowlandson uses this setting to comment on the excesses and indulgences of the wealthy. The drawing reminds us that art is not just about aesthetics, it is also about materials, making, and social context.