The infant Jones found in the bed of Mr. Allworthy, from "The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling"

Art Historical Context

This 1792 etching captures a pivotal moment from Henry Fielding’s beloved 1749 novel *The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling*. The scene shows the discovery of an infant in the bed of the kind-hearted Squire Allworthy, setting the stage for the story of the foundling’s adventures and the social satire that unfolds around him. Through this intimate bedroom setting, the image highlights themes of chance, charity, and hidden identities that captivated eighteenth-century readers. Created by the noted caricaturist and illustrator Thomas Rowlandson, the print exemplifies the lively etching technique popular for book illustrations of the period. Etchings allowed artists to combine delicate line work with expressive detail, making literary scenes vivid and accessible to a wide audience. Rowlandson’s version brings warmth and gentle humor to the moment of discovery, emphasizing the surprise of the household while inviting viewers to connect with the novel’s enduring charm. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection of prints, this small-scale work reflects the growing popularity of illustrated novels in the late eighteenth century and the important role such images played in shaping how stories were experienced and remembered.

About the Artist

Henry Fielding|Thomas Rowlandson (British|British) · 1707 |1757 –1754 |1827

British, 1707–1754|British, London 1757–1827 London