The Sailor's Prayer!!

Art Historical Context

Created in September 1801, “The Sailor’s Prayer!!” is hand-colored etching that captures the lively world of naval life during the Napoleonic Wars. The collaborative work of Edward Spragg, George Murgatroyd Woodward, and the celebrated caricaturist Thomas Rowlandson, the print exemplifies the vibrant satirical tradition that flourished in London at the turn of the nineteenth century. Measuring roughly 8 by 10 inches on the plate, the etching was designed to be widely circulated, allowing viewers from many walks of life to enjoy its humor. The image centers on sailors, a subject of intense public interest as Britain’s navy protected trade routes and engaged in global conflict. The double exclamation in the title hints at the ironic or comic tone typical of Rowlandson and Woodward’s work, while the tags—men, smoking, sailors—suggest a scene that pokes gentle fun at seafaring habits. Hand-coloring added after printing brought vivid life to the figures, a technique that made such prints especially appealing to collectors and museum visitors alike. Today, this impression belongs to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection of drawings and prints, acquired through the Elisha Whittelsey Fund. It offers a charming window into both the artistic techniques and the cultural fascination with sailors that shaped early nineteenth-century British print culture.

About the Artist

Edward Spragg|George Murgatroyd Woodward|Thomas Rowlandson (British|British) · 1757 |1794 –1827 |1850

British, London 1757–1827 London|British, active London, 1794–1850