Dressing for a Birthday 1788

"Dressing for a Birthday" is a satirical watercolor by English artist Thomas Rowlandson, dating back to 1788. The work depicts a scene of chaos and humor as a woman prepares for a social event, surrounded by a flurry of assistants struggling with her elaborate attire. The exaggerated figures and comical expressions highlight the absurdity of fashionable trends during the late 18th century. Rowlandson, a master of caricature, was known for his witty and often biting social commentary, and this work exemplifies his talent for capturing the eccentricities of the period.