Slugs in a Sawpit

Thomas Rowlandson

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of two men facing each other in a saw-pit, engaged in a confrontation through a telescope-like device. The figure on the left wears a blue coat with gold trimming and a tricorne hat, while the figure on the right is in a red coat with a black hat. They appear to be scrutinizing each other through the shared object. The setting is a saw-pit with wood shavings, saws, and a ladder leading out. The expressions and postures of the figures convey a sense of absurdity and satire. In the background, a third figure peers over the edge of the pit. The painting features expressive lines and subtle coloring, typical of satirical work from the late 18th century. This follows the style of Thomas Rowlandson.