Snips 1815

Thomas Rowlandson made this print called ‘Snips,’ using etching and aquatint, sometime around 1800. It's a comical, chaotic scene, probably meant to critique the social structure of the time. Set in what appears to be a tailor's workshop, the print is bustling with activity. We see figures engaged in various tasks, like pressing fabric and drinking beer, all rendered with Rowlandson's characteristic exaggeration and caricature. The dog sitting calmly in the middle adds to the charm. Rowlandson masterfully captures the energy and disorder, poking fun at the working class, but also highlighting the sense of community that exists amongst them. Made in England, this print reflects the social and economic realities of the late 18th century. It offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people and the conditions in which they lived and worked, through satire and caricature. If we want to understand this image better, we could consider the history of labor, class, and social satire in England. It also speaks to the role of art as a tool for social commentary and critique.