Artwork
The Tour of Dr Syntax in Search of the Picturesque
The Tour of Dr Syntax in Search of the Picturesque is a watercolor work on paper by the British Romanticist artist Thomas Rowlandson. It dates from 1812 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour depicts a group of tourists traversing a scenic landscape, created by Thomas Rowlandson to accompany a satirical poem.
Subject & Meaning
The scene, set in England's Lake District, pokes fun at the 'picturesque' aesthetic popularized by William Gilpin's writings, targeting both the author and his audience.
Technique & Style
Rowlandson's use of watercolour allows for expressive rendering of the landscape's varied forms, a key aspect of the picturesque ideal.
History & Provenance
The work was created to illustrate a verse by William Combe, a satire on the picturesque movement, which gained momentum following Gilpin's publications on the subject.
Context
The late 18th century saw a surge in visits to the Lake District after Gilpin's book on its picturesque landscapes was published, influencing the region's popularity among tourists.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
