Dressing for a Birthday

Thomas Rowlandson, 1788

This is a painting of a group of people preparing for a social event or performance. It is in the style of Thomas Rowlandson. The image shows a bustling interior with richly dressed figures engaged in various preparatory tasks. In the center, an individual is being fitted with a large gown, holding a bouquet of flowers, while others help adjust the attire. A mirror is prominently displayed, reflecting the scene, and there are accessories scattered around the floor. The expressions on the figures suggest a moment of satire or comedic intent, capturing a lively and chaotic atmosphere typical of Rowlandson's works.
Artist
Thomas Rowlandson
Date
1788
Type
Print
Medium
hand-colored etching
Dimensions
37 × 52.5 cm
Collection
National Gallery of Art, Washington
Licence
Public domain, CC0

Image description

This is a painting of a group of people preparing for a social event or performance. It is in the style of Thomas Rowlandson. The image shows a bustling interior with richly dressed figures engaged in various preparatory tasks. In the center, an individual is being fitted with a large gown, holding a bouquet of flowers, while others help adjust the attire. A mirror is prominently displayed, reflecting the scene, and there are accessories scattered around the floor. The expressions on the figures suggest a moment of satire or comedic intent, capturing a lively and chaotic atmosphere typical of Rowlandson's works.

Thomas Rowlandson