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Dropsy Courting Consumption, October 25, 1810. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
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Dropsy Courting Consumption, October 25, 1810. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Dropsy Courting Consumption, October 25, 1810
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Media ID 20576063
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Consumption Courting Courtship Disease Funny Heracles Herakles Hercules Illness Mausoleum Obese Obesity Overweight Proposal Proposing Rowlandson Rowlandson Thomas Short Size T Tegg And Son T Tegg Son Tall Tegg Tegg And Son Tegg Son T Tegg Thomas Thin Thomas Rowlandson Thomas Tegg Diseases Dropsy Edema Greek Mythology
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Dropsy Courting Consumption, October 25,1810
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating and thought-provoking print created by Thomas Rowlandson in the early 19th century. This British caricature artist skillfully combines humor and satire to explore the concept of courtship between two unlikely figures: Dropsy and Consumption. In this colorful etching, we witness an amusing scene where Dropsy, symbolizing obesity or edema, kneels before Consumption, representing illness or disease. The contrast between their physical appearances is striking; Dropsy is portrayed as a tall and overweight man while Consumption appears thin and frail. It's a humorous twist on traditional courtship rituals. Rowlandson's clever use of Greek mythology adds another layer of depth to the image. We see Heracles (Hercules), a Greek deity known for his strength, observing this unusual proposal from atop a mausoleum. His presence suggests that even gods find amusement in human affairs. The print invites us to reflect on societal attitudes towards health and beauty during that era. Rowlandson challenges conventional notions by presenting these characters as potential romantic partners despite their contrasting sizes. This artwork serves as both entertainment and social commentary, highlighting the absurdity of certain cultural norms surrounding body image and love. "Dropsy Courting Consumption" remains an intriguing piece within Rowlandson's extensive collection at The Met Museum today – reminding us how art can provoke laughter while also encouraging critical thinking about our own perceptions of beauty and acceptance.
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