A Dutch Academy, Thomas Rowlandson, 1792

The interior of an art-school. A stout woman (nude) sprawls awkwardly on an armchair on the model throne, round which fat dutchmen are grouped. One, seated on an upturned tub (right), paints at a large canvas on an easel, the figure being realistically drawn. Others sit on the floor or on stools, drawing on smaller canvases. One stands (left) behind a high desk. Some smoke pipes. The room is lit by a smoky lamp hanging from the roof, throwing the light directly on the model. On the wall are prints, casts on brackets, and a picture. A ladder leans against a beam. The artists wear the round hats, short jackets, and bulky breeches of dutchmen in caricature. March 1792 etching with hand-colouring. Date: 1792. Dimensions: Height: 149 mm; Width: 233 mm (trimmed). Medium: paper. Collection: British Museum. A Dutch Academy (BM 1935,0522.9.10.b)