The Prospect before us, No. 2
Thomas Rowlandson, published 1791
- Artist
- Thomas Rowlandson
- Date
- published 1791
- Type
- Medium
- hand-colored etching
- Dimensions
- 34.1 × 47.9 cm
- Collection
- National Gallery of Art, Washington
- Licence
- Public domain, CC0
Image description
This is a drawing of a theatrical performance in a grand theater. The drawing features a scene set in an elaborate theater with a highly detailed audience filling the multi-tiered balconies. Two central figures are depicted on stage, energetically dancing and holding garlands of flowers. The theater is grand, with intricately designed boxes and a chandelier on the sides. The audience is animated, each person expressing different emotions as they watch the performance. The overall tone of the drawing is vibrant and lively.