Thomas Rowlandson

The Building of Waterloo Bridge ?

c. 1810-1817
Pedestrians negotiate a precarious walkway to avoid the mess of construction (perhaps for Waterloo Bridge, begun in 1810). The situation allowed Rowlandson to indulge his taste for the naughty: while other gentlemen help ladies with their footing, one old man helps himself to a glimpse up the skirt of a woman who has taken a tumble in front of him.
Title
The Building of Waterloo Bridge ?
Date
c. 1810-1817
Medium
Drawing
Materials
pen and brown ink with watercolour over graphite on wove paper, laid down on grey mounting board
Dimensions
22.6 x 33.1 cm
Nationality
British
Credit line
Purchased 1925
Accession number
3236

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