Thomas Rowlandson

The Wooden Leg or Careful Landlady

13.5 x 9.5

A hand-coloured etching by Thomas Rowlandson, published by Thomas Tegg in Cheapside, London in 1810.

Thomas Rowlandson is undoubtedly the sauciest and most accomplished caricaturist of his generation. This delightful image is a terrific example of his work and wit. A bespectacled landlady has come to attend to her lodgers. Thinking she's left the warming pan in one of the beds she gives it a good old tug, only to find out that it's actually a wooden leg belonging to (and firmly attached to!) one of her guests. The indignant tar, presumably in considerable discomfort, remonstrates with her shouting out: "Lownds, don't pull off my timber". The other occupant of the room remains fast asleep, oblivious to the shenanigans.

£550