The Poll
Thomas Rowlandson, 1784
- Artist
- Thomas Rowlandson
- Date
- 1784
- Type
- Medium
- etching and stipple with hand coloring on wove paper
- Dimensions
- 25 × 35 cm
- Collection
- National Gallery of Art, Washington
- Licence
- Public domain, CC0
Image description
This is a drawing of a seesaw with figures riding it in a public setting. The scene shows two elegantly dressed individuals in an exaggerated and whimsical manner, wearing 18th-century attire. One figure is airborne with arms outstretched, while others in vibrant clothing are seen either assisting or balancing on the seesaw. The background features a bustling crowd against a grand architectural setting, with expressions of surprise and amusement. The composition uses vivid colors and a caricatured style to emphasize playful dynamism and social interaction.