The Dog & The Devil

Art Historical Context

**The Dog & The Devil** (1807) is a lively hand-colored etching created by the renowned British caricaturist Thomas Rowlandson in collaboration with illustrator George Murgatroyd Woodward and published by Thomas Tegg. Measuring just 10 13/16 × 8 1/4 inches, this compact print exemplifies the satirical etchings that flooded London's markets during the Regency era, offering affordable commentary on society and politics amid the Napoleonic Wars. Rowlandson, a master of exaggerated, humorous vignettes, often infused his works with bawdy wit and moral undertones, aligning with the caricature tradition of artists like Hogarth. Here, tags like "Satire," "Men," "Dogs," and "Devil" suggest a playful yet pointed fable—perhaps twisting a proverb or allegory to lampoon human folly or vice. Hand-coloring, applied post-printing, brought vibrant life to the black-and-white etching, enhancing its appeal to middle-class buyers and making satire accessible beyond elite circles. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Elisha Whittelsey Collection, this piece captures the cultural vibrancy of early 19th-century British printmaking, where art doubled as social critique. Visitors will appreciate its cheeky charm, a window into the era's irreverent humor.

About the Artist

Thomas Rowlandson|George Murgatroyd Woodward|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...