The Damnation of Obadiah (Tristram Shandy)

Art Historical Context

In the whimsical world of Laurence Sterne's *The Life and Opinions of Tristr Shandy, Gentleman* (1759–67), the hapless servant Obadiah his comedic downfall in this hand-colored etching by Henry Williambury, created between 1800 and 1820. Bunbury, a celebrated caricaturist known for his satirical illustrations of literary scenes, captures the novel's absurd humor—likely depicting Obadiah's chaotic mishaps involving dogs and mishandled duties amid the Shandy household's eccentricities. Sterne's groundbreaking novel, with its digressive style and playful narrative, inspired countless visual interpretations, making this print a charming bridge between 18th-century literature and early 19th-century graphic satire. The medium of hand-colored etching exemplifies Regency-era printmaking artistry. Etching allowed precise, expressive lines on a copper plate, while hand-applied watercolors brought vibrant life to the black-and-white design, enhancing the satirical bite and appeal for collectors. At 9 3/16 × 13 1/4 inches, it's intimate yet detailed, perfect for parlors or portfolios. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Elisha Whittelsey Collection, this work highlights how prints democratized humor, poking fun at human folly through men, dogs, and domestic pandemonium—a timeless nod to Sterne's enduring cultural legacy.