Thomas Rowlandson Drawings

Thomas Rowlandson (1757 -1827) described as 'England's greatest social reporter' was a sensitive and sharp eyed observer of English society and his caricatures and types were executed with unmalicious humour. He was compared to Hogarth but Rowlandson had a more positive approach to human foibles.

This collection of reed pen and watercolour drawings had been in the Auckland Art Gallery's permanent collection since 1885, when it was part of the original James Mackelvie gift of  to the city. Only two drawings, Refugees outside a City Gate and Persecution to the Grave, were sourced elsewhere.

The catalogue of this exhibition [PDF 2.4 MB] is available on the Auckland Art Gallery website.