A Frenchman in November

Thomas Rowlandson

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of three comical characters in animated poses. The scene depicts an interaction among three figures: one seated in an ornate chair wearing a green coat; a central character dressed in a blue and red coat with a large black hat, holding a horn and a whip; and the third figure on the right, dressed in brown, caught in a pose with arms raised and one leg lifted. Their expressions and movements suggest a humorous or chaotic scene. The line work is detailed, and the use of color adds to the animated feel of the composition. The style is reminiscent of 18th-century caricature art.