Who's Mistress Now?

Art Historical Context

Thomas Rowlandson’s hand-colored etching “Who’s Mistress Now?” captures the playful yet pointed spirit of early nineteenth-century caricature. Created in May 1811 during the era, the print exemplifiesson’s signature stylelively line work and satire aimed at the manners of the day. As a hand-colored etching, the medium allowed artists like Rowlandson to reach wide audiences; impressions could be printed quickly and tinted by hand, making witty commentary on fashion, gender roles, and domestic life affordable and widely circulated. The scene, suggested by its title and the presence of an interior setting, a woman, a mirror, and a cat, likely stages a humorous reversal of power or affection within the household. Rowlandson frequently used such everyday props to poke fun at romantic rivalries and the shifting dynamics between servants, pets, and their mistresses. The cat, often a symbol of independence or mischief in period imagery, adds a layer of visual wit to the narrative. Today the work resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection of drawings and prints, where it offers visitors a lively window into Regency-era humor and the enduring appeal of satirical printmaking.

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...