The Poll 1784

Thomas Rowlandson made this print, "The Poll," using etching and watercolor. It's a great example of how printmaking could be deployed for social satire, especially in the Georgian period. The etching process allowed Rowlandson to create a scene packed with caricatures, skewering the political process. Notice the lines are deeply bitten into the plate, allowing for a crisp, reproducible image. The application of watercolor then adds a layer of vibrancy, accentuating the absurdity of the scene. It depicts voters on a seesaw, their weight determining the outcome of an election. This speaks to the perceived imbalance of power. The physical effort involved in etching and hand-coloring each print reflects the labor-intensive nature of early mass media. By combining skilled craftsmanship with sharp social commentary, Rowlandson blurred the lines between art and political critique. This print invites us to consider the role of art in shaping public opinion, then and now.