The Damnation of Obadiah (Tristram Shandy)

Art Historical Context

This hand-colored etching, titled *The Damnation of Obadiah*, captures a lively satirical moment from Laurence Sterne’s celebrated 18th-century novel *Tristram Shandy*. Created around 1803 and by Rudolph Ackermann in London, the print draws on the book’s playful humor and chaotic storytelling. It likely depicts the novel’s memorable scene involving the character Obadiah and his misadventures, complete with the men and dogs noted in its tags, turning Sterne’s literary comedy into a visual jest. Thomas Rowlandson, a leading caricaturist of the Georgian era, brought his signature wit and fluid line work to such illustrations, often collaborating with or building on designs by artists like Henry William Bunbury. The medium of hand-colored etching allowed for vibrant, affordable reproductions that reached a wide audience, making literary satire accessible beyond elite circles. Small in scale at just over five by seven inches, the print exemplifies the lively print culture of early 19th-century Britain. As part of the Metropolitan Museum’s collection, this work highlights how visual art amplified the cultural impact of Sterne’s groundbreaking novel, blending literature, humor, and social commentary in a format that delighted Regency-era viewers.

About the Artist

Thomas Rowlandson|Rudolph Ackermann, London|Laurence Sterne|Henry William Bunbury · 1756–1827

Thomas Rowlandson (1757–1827) was an English artist and caricaturist whose satirical watercolors and prints captured the social life of Georgian Britain with unparalleled wit and technical mastery. Alongside James Gillray, he is recognized as one of the greatest British graphic artists, and his distinctive flowing line and keen observations have made his work integral to understanding late 18th an...