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Preview image of work. watercolor on paper, The Picnic Party 4216

1956.24.256

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The Picnic Party

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Artist

Thomas Rowlandson (1756 - 1827)

Title

The Picnic Party

Creation Date

ca. 1800-1827

Century

early 19th century

Dimensions

11 5/8 in. x 18 in. (29.6 cm. x 45.7 cm.)

Object Type

drawing

Creation Place

Europe, United Kingdom

Medium and Support

watercolor on paper

Credit Line

Gift of Miss Susan Dwight Bliss

Copyright

Public Domain

Accession Number

1956.24.256

In “Sense and Sensibility,” Jane Austen (1775--1817) describes preparations for a picnic party in the country. “The grounds were declared to be highly beautiful. . . . They contained a noble piece of water; a sail on which was to form a great part of the morning’s amusement; cold provisions were to be taken, . . . and everything conducted in the usual style of a complete party of pleasure. . . . They were all in high spirits and good humour, eager to be happy, and determined to submit to the greatest inconveniences and hardships rather than be otherwise.” Thomas Rowlandson’s characterization of such an outing delights viewers with a detailed account of the conviviality among the members of the party and their sustenance, even indicating a pleasure boat and a group of servants in the background. In watercolors, drawings, and prints eagerly collected by aristocratic and middle-class patrons, Rowlandson chronicled and satirized the mores of his time.