Thomas Rowlandson (London 1756-1827)

Thomas Rowlandson is well recognised as one of the greatest figures in late 18th and early 19th century English caricature. His many comic illustrations offered humorous commentary on the political and social conventions of his day. Among his best known are drawings of the misadventures of the fictional English clergyman and schoolmaster, Dr. Syntax, whose various escapades are chronicled in three volumes or "Tours". The Tours of Dr. Syntax were satires on a then contemporary series of picturesque adventures to various parts of England with an emphasis on landscape illustration and poetic verse.