Caricature Shop of Piercy Roberts, 28 Middle Row, Holborn

Art Historical Context

Step into the lively streets of early 19th-century London with *Caricature Shop of Piercy Roberts, Middle Row, Holborn (1801), a hand-colored etching by the artist himself. This delightful print captures Roberts' own shop in the Holborn district, teeming with men, women and even dogs amid a market-like scene. At 10 7/16 x 12 3/8 inches, it's a compact window into everyday urban energy, blending commerce and caricature culture. Created during the Regency era, when satirical prints exploded in popularity, this work served as clever self-promotion for Roberts, a noted publisher and etcher of humorous caricatures. The etching technique—incising designs into a metal plate for inked impressions—allowed for sharp details, while the hand-applied colors brought vibrant life to the chaotic display of prints and patrons. Such pieces were affordable entertainments, poking fun at society and politics while fueling London's print trade. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department as part of The Elisha Whittelsey Collection (acquired via The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1953), it highlights the era's thriving market for visual satire, offering visitors a tangible taste of Georgian wit and craftsmanship.