The Coffee House

Artist Thomas Rowlandson (London, England, 1756 - 1827)

Datec. 1790

Mediumpencil, pen and watercolour on paper

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 32.8 cm, Width: 47.4 cm
Frame: Height: 50.8 cm, Width: 66.1 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1954 with income from the Webster Bequest.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG003913

Keywords

About MeThe London coffee house was a popular venue for men to gather and talk in the 18th century. In this watercolour, Thomas Rowlandson has caricatured the customers of the coffee house; in the foreground, a young dandy makes eyes at the serving maid, whilst in the background, comical looking men huddle in corners, sipping coffee and gossiping.

For some time Rowlandson's work was out of favour: English society, transformed as it was by the straight-laced Victorian age, did not appreciate the sense of risqué humour and the informal fluidity of his work. Today attitudes have changed and his work is admired once more.

More About Me

Collections Wall

London coffee houses, popular gathering places for men to gather in the 18th century, probably served more alcohol and food than actual coffee!