Currently not on view
Plate: Dr. Syntax Disputing his Bill with the Landlady,
ca. 1818–29
Ralph and James Clews, British, active in Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, England, 1818–1834
after Thomas Rowlandson, 1756/57–1827; born and died London, England
after Thomas Rowlandson, 1756/57–1827; born and died London, England
y1929-264
Thomas Rowlandson created the character of the pedantic Doctor Syntax for a satirical series of engravings later titled The Tour of Doctor Syntax in Search of the Picturesque. In the tale, Rowlandson depicted the doctor’s adventures and misfortunes traveling through the English countryside. Here, the doctor argues with his landlady over the cost of one night spent at her inn. Doctor Syntax became so popular that Rowlandson’s designs were copied widely, including onto dinnerware. English manufacturers of transfer-printed wares, such as the Clews brothers, exploited the nascent American market for such goods. The plate’s circular image extends Rowlandson’s composition, boldly inserting a second dog fighting a cat into the foreground.
Information
Title
Plate: Dr. Syntax Disputing his Bill with the Landlady
Dates
ca. 1818–29
Maker
Medium
Glazed earthenware with transfer-print in blue
Dimensions
2.5 × diam. 25.7 cm (1 × 10 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Livingston Collection
Object Number
y1929-264
Inscription
Impressed on back: "Doctor Syntax disputing his Bill with the landlady" in panel.
Marks/Labels/Seals
Impressed crown encircled by "Clews Warrented Staffordshire" surrmounted by an M.
Culture
Type
Materials
Techniques
Subject
Mrs. William S. Livingston, New York; 1929 gift to Princeton University Art Museum.
