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Boston Public Library Collection

Step into a world of art and literature at the Boston Public Library, located in the picturesque courtyard of Copley Square, Boston, Massachusetts

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: Courtyard of Boston Public Library, Copley Square, Boston, Massachusetts

Courtyard of Boston Public Library, Copley Square, Boston, Massachusetts, New England, United States of America, North America

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: Public Library, Boston, Mass. between 1900 and 1906. Creator: Unknown

Public Library, Boston, Mass. between 1900 and 1906. Creator: Unknown
Public Library, Boston, Mass. between 1900 and 1906

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: The Public Library of the city of Boston, c1900. Creator: Unknown

The Public Library of the city of Boston, c1900. Creator: Unknown
The Public Library of the city of Boston, c1900

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: The Oyster Woman, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

The Oyster Woman, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
The Oyster Woman, c1780-1825. Rowlandson, by nature and through his interests, was constantly in touch with his surroundings

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: Discomforts of an Epicure, 1787. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

Discomforts of an Epicure, 1787. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Discomforts of an Epicure, 1787. According to available descriptions of Rowlandson, this is a self-portrait, of course exaggerated

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: Taking a Mean Advantage, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

Taking a Mean Advantage, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Taking a Mean Advantage, c1780-1825. A man leers at his female companions thigh which is revealed as she climbs over a gate

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: The Suicide, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

The Suicide, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
The Suicide, c1780-1825. This is one of the few drawings of Rowlandsons where humor is not dominant. However, the sincerity of the wife, who has collapsed

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: The Parsonage, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

The Parsonage, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
The Parsonage, c1780-1825. This drawing of The Parsonage is vigorous, emphatic, and one might say brilliant in Rowlandsons best manner

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: Mr. Bannister and Miss Orser, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

Mr. Bannister and Miss Orser, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Mr. Bannister and Miss Orser, c1780-1825. John Bannister was born at Deptford [London], May 12, 1760. He was the son of Charles Bannister, noted English actor

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: Market Place, Cornwall, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

Market Place, Cornwall, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Market Place, Cornwall, c1780-1825. " Market Place, Cornwall" is of the essence of Rowlandsons village-scene subjects

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: The fair near the village church, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

The fair near the village church, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
The fair near the village church, c1780-1825. The absolute balance, arrangement, and rightness of the masses in shadow and light in relation to the line, with alternating weight and delicacy

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: Jealousy, the Rival, 1803. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

Jealousy, the Rival, 1803. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Jealousy, the Rival, 1803. Does not this drawing with its foreground arrangement of profoundly expressive figures become something greater than the subject might suggerst

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: Country Scene in Cumberland, 1805. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

Country Scene in Cumberland, 1805. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Country Scene in Cumberland, 1805. This scene with rustic cottage perched high in difficult and interesting terrain finds Rowlandson in a strongly masculine mood

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: Posting in Germany, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

Posting in Germany, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Posting in Germany, c1780-1825. Travellers outside an inn....we can see Rowlandson devoting himself to experimentation with chiaroscuro to discover to what degree

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: Colonel Seaham, late 18th-early 19th century. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

Colonel Seaham, late 18th-early 19th century. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Colonel Seaham, late 18th-early 19th century. An outstanding example of Rowlandsons portraiture is here illustraited in " Colonel Seaham"

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: The Rivals, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

The Rivals, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
The Rivals, c1780-1825. These two young men, one a dashing young officer, the other a gallant but unattractive adventurer, are displaying their simulated affections to the complacent rich dowager

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: Suitors, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

Suitors, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Suitors, c1780-1825. In " Suitors" we find one of the subjects drawn from Rowlandsons imagination, a source which was inexhaustible

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: The Village Fair, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

The Village Fair, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
The Village Fair, c1780-1825. " Buy a song, one penny..." - one of the street cries in England during Rowlandsons time

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: Market Day, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

Market Day, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Market Day, c1780-1825. It is interesting to note Rowlandsons love of drawing animals, especially horses and dogs. They give life and naturalness to his market and tavern scenes

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: A wig shop, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

A wig shop, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
A wig shop, c1780-1825. The two old ladies examining a girlish headdress displayed by the wigmaker are delightfully satisfied with the model, if one can judge from their expressions

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: The Pretty Bar Maid, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

The Pretty Bar Maid, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
The Pretty Bar Maid, c1780-1825. In Rowlandsons work, on the one hand, there is a delicate delineation of exaggerated commonplaceness and, on the other, sensitive realism

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: Israel and the Law (Study for Boston Public Library Mural), c

Israel and the Law (Study for Boston Public Library Mural), c
7081788 Israel and the Law (Study for Boston Public Library Mural), c.1908 (oil with graphite on canvas) by Sargent, John Singer (1856-1925); 95.9x150.5 cm; North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: The Great Fire at Boston, USA, Views and Public Buildings in the City (engraving)

The Great Fire at Boston, USA, Views and Public Buildings in the City (engraving)
1058183 The Great Fire at Boston, USA, Views and Public Buildings in the City (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Great Fire at Boston, USA)

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: The Public Library of the city of Boston, Boston Public Library, Libraries, United States

The Public Library of the city of Boston, Boston Public Library, Libraries, United States, Massachusetts, Boston, 1900

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: Boston Public Library, Boston, Mass. Postcard. ca. 1915-1930, Boston Public Library, Boston, Mass

Boston Public Library, Boston, Mass. Postcard. ca. 1915-1930, Boston Public Library, Boston, Mass. Postcard

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: Postcard of Promotion for Boston, Massachusetts. Ca. 1916, you Don t Know Beans until you Come to

Postcard of Promotion for Boston, Massachusetts. Ca. 1916, you Don t Know Beans until you Come to Boston. Christian Science Church, West Boston Bridge, Charles River Basin, City Hall, Public Library

Background imageBoston Public Library Collection: Boston Public Library

Boston Public Library, 1848, Copley Square, Boston, Massachusetts, USA



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Step into a world of art and literature at the Boston Public Library, located in the picturesque courtyard of Copley Square, Boston, Massachusetts. This historic library not only houses an extensive collection of books but also showcases captivating artworks by renowned artist Thomas Rowlandson. Immerse yourself in the vibrant imagination of Rowlandson as you explore his intriguing works such as 'The Oyster Woman' and 'Discomforts of an Epicure. ' These illustrations transport you to a different era, offering glimpses into daily life and societal norms during the late 18th to early 19th centuries. Rowlandson's masterpieces continue to captivate visitors with their satirical commentary on human behavior. From 'The Double Disaster' depicting comical mishaps to 'Taking a Mean Advantage' highlighting cunning tactics, these artworks provide both amusement and insight into society's quirks. As you delve deeper into Rowlandson's portfolio, discover poignant pieces like 'The Suicide, ' which prompts reflection on mental health and despair. Contrastingly, find solace in idyllic scenes like 'The Parsonage, ' showcasing serene country landscapes that evoke feelings of tranquility. Beyond Rowlandson's artwork, the Boston Public Library offers diverse collections spanning various genres and eras. Explore other treasures such as 'Mr. Bannister and Miss Orser, ' capturing moments frozen in time or travel through history with depictions like 'Market Place, Cornwall. ' For those seeking respite from city life within the pages of a book or yearning for cultural enrichment amidst architectural splendor, this library is your haven. Wander through its hallowed halls or lose yourself among shelves filled with literary gems while relishing breathtaking views from its windows overlooking Copley Square. Uncover tales untold within each page turned or immerse yourself further in artistic brilliance at exhibitions held within this cultural hub. The Boston Public Library invites all who seek knowledge and inspiration to embark on a journey through time and imagination.