Alexander

Art Historical Context

Created in April 1814 by British caricaturist Thomas Rowlandson, this hand-colored etching titled *Alexander* captures a pivotal moment in European history. The date coincides with Tsar Alexander I’s triumphant entry into Paris following Napoleon’s abdication, marking the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Rowlandson, renowned for his witty political satire, often portrayed world leaders with a blend of admiration and gentle mockery, and this print likely reflects the widespread fascination with the Russian emperor among British audiences. The work combines etching with letterpress text, a popular medium for distributing timely commentary during the early nineteenth century. Hand-coloring adds vibrancy and personality to the figure, transforming a simple print into a lively portrait that would have been sold widely to an eager public. Measuring just over 18 inches tall, the sheet was designed for easy display or inclusion in personal albums. Today housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection of prints and drawings, *Alexander* offers modern viewers a direct glimpse into the visual culture of 1814. It reminds us how quickly news of major political events traveled through affordable, illustrated prints that shaped public opinion across Europe.

About the Artist

Tsar Alexander I|Thomas Rowlandson (Russian|British) · 1777 |1757 –1825 |1827

Russian, 1777–1825|British, London 1757–1827 London