Captain Squander Bang Up to the Mark n.d.

Thomas Rowlandson made this pen, ink, and watercolor drawing called "Captain Squander Bang Up to the Mark," during a period when the English art world was fascinated by satire. Rowlandson uses caricature to target the upper classes of British society. We see Captain Squander riding fast in a coach pulled by horses, accompanied by dogs, which can be read as a commentary on the perceived recklessness and extravagance of the aristocracy. The scene is chaotic, with animals running amok. Rowlandson is subtly critiquing the social structure of his time, where wealth often led to irresponsibility. The work can be understood in the context of the print market in Britain at the time, which experienced a boom because of new printmaking technologies. It catered to a growing middle class who was increasingly interested in the lives of the wealthy. Rowlandson’s art provides valuable insights into the social attitudes and cultural values of 18th-century England. Social histories and printed records of the time could provide further insights into its creation and reception.