Dying for Love, or Captain Careless shot flying by a Girl of Fifteen, who Unexpectedly Popped her Head out of a Casement 1810

Thomas Rowlandson's satirical hand-colored etching "Dying for Love, or Captain Careless, shot flying by a Girl of Fifteen, who Unexpectedly Popped her Head out of a Casement" from 1810 depicts a scene of humorous chaos and social commentary. A young woman, seemingly of "fifteen," throws open a window startling a man in a military uniform, who has been caught in the act of courting another woman. Rowlandson, known for his caricatures and social commentary, uses exaggeration and humor to capture the absurdity of the situation. The scene is full of detail with figures, animals, and everyday objects all contributing to the comedic effect. The viewer is encouraged to examine the image and identify the many elements that contribute to the humorous satire of Rowlandson's work.