The Revd. Doctor Syntax, antique print. Thomas Rowlandson, c1817

by Rowlandson, Thomas

The Reverend Doctor Syntax in his study, ponders over his sermon - with caged bird, clock, fiddle, cat, coat and hat.

Aquatint drawn and etched between 1809 and 1811 by Thomas Rowlandson (1757-1827) for The Tour of Dr Syntax in Search of the Picturesque. This popular comical illustrated-story entails a country cleric who travels to the Lake District to sketch landscapes to portray the contemporary popular ideal. Rowlandson caricatures illustrate the possible mishaps of such a pleasurable leisure activity. First issued in Rudolph Ackermann's Poetical Magazine between 1809 and 1811, accompanied by poems by William Combe (1794-1823), Dr Syntax's tour was first published as a separate little book in 1812, and was so popular that it was reissued a number of times until 1821. This aquatint etching was printed circa 1817.

Rowlandson was a talented and popular draughtsman, etcher and engraver, who parodied political, professional and personal pursuits for the populace in Britain during the late 18th century and early 19th century.

The small format of this book enabled its larger circulation, carried in pockets for ready entertainment. As would be expected, the pages are somewhat soiled. (Indian ink and pencil signatures and date on the reverse of this image.)  Page size is 215 x 130mm (8.5 x 5.25 inches). Image size is 175 x 110mm  (6 7/8 x 4 3/8 inches).