Peter Plumb's Diary

Art Historical Context

"Peter Plumb's Diary is a lively hand-colored etching created by the renowned British caricaturist Rowlandson and published by Thomas Tegg on 20, 1810. Measuring about 10 by 14 inches on its sheet, this print exemplifies the vibrant satirical tradition of Regency-era England, where artists like Rowlandson used humor to poke fun at social customs and human foibles. Hand-coloring, applied by skilled artisans after printing, added a playful vibrancy that made these affordable etchings popular among the middle classes, turning them into collectible commentary on contemporary life. The scene, inferred from its tags, whimsically captures sleeping couples, men, women, and dogs in a domestic tableau, likely satirizing the mundane or scandalous entries of a fictional diary—perhaps exposing the secrets of everyday relationships or nocturnal antics. Rowlandson's loose, expressive style, with fluid lines and exaggerated features, masterfully blends comedy and critique, reflecting the era's fascination with personal journals amid a growing print culture. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department as part of The Elisha Whittelsey Collection (acquired via The Elisha Whittelsey Fund in 1959), this work highlights the enduring appeal of Georgian satire. It invites visitors to chuckle at timeless human quirks while appreciating the technical finesse of early 19th-century printmaking.

About the Artist

Thomas Rowlandson|Thomas Tegg · 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...