Who painted Flirtation?

Flirtation was painted by Thomas Rowlandson in 1805.

Where can I see Flirtation?

Flirtation is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Flirtation?

Flirtation is associated with British Romanticism.

Artwork

Flirtation

Thomas Rowlandson , 1805

Flirtation is a watercolor work on paper by the British Romanticist artist Thomas Rowlandson. It dates from 1805 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Flirtation is a watercolour piece created by Thomas Rowlandson in 1805, depicting an intimate scene of a military officer and a woman seated together on a rocky ledge.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork captures a moment of affection between the two figures, with the officer leaning in and his arm around the woman's shoulder. A broken pitcher at her feet may symbolize the abandonment of formalities or the spontaneity of the encounter.

Technique & Style

Rowlandson employed quick, loose lines to convey a sense of movement and playfulness. The colour palette is restrained, featuring whites, grays, and soft browns, with subtle contrast to highlight the main figures against a vaguely suggested dark background.

History & Provenance

The watercolour is mounted on a secondary piece of paper, a common practice for preservation and display at the time. Specific provenance details beyond the creation date (1805) are not provided.

Artist & collection

Artist

Thomas Rowlandson

Thomas Rowlandson (; 13 July 1757 – 21 April 1827) was an English artist and caricaturist of the Georgian Era, noted for his political satire and social observation.