Home > Arts > Artists > H > Thomas Hand
Looking at the comet till you get a criek in the neck, 1811 (etching)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Fine Art Finder
Looking at the comet till you get a criek in the neck, 1811 (etching)
7340076 Looking at the comet till you get a criek in the neck, 1811 (etching) by Rowlandson, Thomas (1756-1827); 39.2x26.5 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Hand-coloured satirical print, published in 1811, showing a domestic scene of an older man, wearing a dressing gown and night-cap, looking out of a window with a spyglass at the comet of that year. He fails to notice the romantic scene between a young woman and man. This is a common trope, represented also in Le Marchand de Lunettes (ZBA4477), in which those with an interest in astronomy are so distracted by other-worldly thoughts that they fail to see what is going on under their noses.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38372208
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
Aged Persons Brass Telescope Comet Comet Star Courting Elderly Man Etching Interior Scene Love Scene Loving Modern Telescope Neck Observation Observe Observing Old Age Old Couple Old Person Old Woman Seduct Senior Adult Shooting Star Skies Star Stars Telescope Telescopes Windows Wooing Wounded Limb Wounds And Injuries Inhabitant Injuries Old Man Room Interior Wound
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> H
> Thomas Hand
> Arts
> Artists
> R
> Thomas Rowlandson
> Arts
> Contemporary art
> Modern art
> Portraits
> Arts
> Contemporary art
> Portraits
> Modern art
> Arts
> Pop art
> Satire
> Satirical artwork
> Arts
> Realistic drawings
> Portrait drawings
> Fine art
> Arts
> Street art graffiti
> Portraits
> Modern art
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> Greenwich
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> British Museum
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> Johannes van Keulen
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> Thomas Rowlandson
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this hand-colored satirical print from 1811 by Thomas Rowlandson, titled 'Looking at the comet till you get a criek in the neck', we see a humorous domestic scene unfold. An older man, clad in a dressing gown and night-cap, is completely engrossed in observing a comet through his spyglass out of the window. Little does he realize that just behind him, a young woman and man are engaged in a romantic moment.
This common trope of being so preoccupied with other-worldly thoughts that one misses what is happening right under their nose is humorously depicted here. The man's fascination with astronomy has led to him getting a crick in his neck from staring at the comet for too long.
The colorful illustration captures the whimsical nature of the situation, highlighting how distractions can sometimes lead to comical consequences. Through clever satire and playful imagery, Rowlandson invites viewers to reflect on the importance of staying present and not missing out on life's simple pleasures amidst our obsessions.
This charming etching serves as a reminder to balance our interests and passions with an awareness of our surroundings, lest we end up like the oblivious stargazer with a sore neck.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
