Broad Grins, or a Black Joke

Art Historical Context

Created in June 1812, “Broad Grins, or a Black Joke” is a hand-colored etching that captures the lively spirit of British caricature during the Regency era. Published by Thomas Tegg and likely designed by the celebrated satirist Thomas Rowlandson, the print belongs to a long tradition of affordable, widely circulated images that used humor to comment on everyday social interactions between men and women. Rowlandson’s distinctive style—fluid line work combined with vibrant hand-applied color—made such etchings both visually appealing and instantly recognizable. These works were popular among a broad audience eager for witty observations on contemporary manners, fashions, and foibles. The medium allowed artists to reach viewers far beyond gallery walls, turning sharp social commentary into an accessible form of entertainment. Today the sheet resides in the Metropolitan Museum’s Department of Drawings and Prints, where it preserves a vivid snapshot of early-nineteenth-century visual satire. Its presence in the collection highlights how prints like this one shaped public conversation and remain valuable records of the period’s cultural attitudes.