None But the Brave Deserve the Fair

Art Historical Context

Thomas Rowlandson’s 1813 hand-colored etching *None But the Brave Deserve the Fair* captures the lively spirit of early nineteenth-century British caricature. The title drawn from John Dryden’s 1697 poem, hints at themes of courtship and valor, which Rowlandson often explored through witty, exaggerated scenes of men and women navigating romance—frequently accompanied by horses that add both motion and social commentary. As a leading figure in Georgian satirical printmaking, Rowlandson used sharp observation and distortion to reflect contemporary manners and follies. The work exemplifies the hand-colored etching technique popular at the time, allowing artists to produce affordable, widely distributed images that could be tinted for greater visual appeal. Rowlandson’s fluid line work and humorous characterizations made his prints favorites among collectors and the public alike. This reprint, now in the Metropolitan Museum’s collection, preserves the artist’s distinctive blend of elegance and irreence. In the context of 1813, amid the Napoleonic Wars, such images offered lighthearted escapism while subtly commenting on bravery—whether on the battlefield or in matters of the heart. The presence of couples and equestrian elements suggests Rowlandson’s interest in the social rituals of the British upper classes, rendered with characteristic warmth and satire.

About the Artist

Thomas Rowlandson · 1756–1827

Thomas Rowlandson (1757–1827) was an English artist and caricaturist whose satirical watercolors and prints captured the social life of Georgian Britain with unparalleled wit and technical mastery. Alongside James Gillray, he is recognized as one of the greatest British graphic artists, and his distinctive flowing line and keen observations have made his work integral to understanding late 18th an...