Launching a Frigate

Thomas Tegg|Richard Newton|Thomas Rowlandson

February 1, 1809 · Hand-colored etching · Drawings and Prints

A young prostitute, elaborately dressed, walks from the door of a Portsmouth brothel. Behind her is a plump woman, with her hands on her hips. On the wall of the house is the inscription "Portsmouth Dock" and three bills: "From the Country an Assortment of Fresh Ware," "A Tragedy in Rehearsal," and "Leakes Genuine Pills." In the background, a woman leans from the window of a house with outstretched arms, while flames and smoke erupt from the chimney.

Artist

Thomas Tegg|Richard Newton|Thomas Rowlandson

Date

February 1, 1809

Medium

Hand-colored etching

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1959