In Tate Britain
Prints and Drawings Room
View by appointment- Artist
- Thomas Rowlandson 1756–1827
- Medium
- Ink and watercolour on paper
- Dimensions
- Support: 160 × 212 mm
- Collection
- Tate
- Acquisition
- Purchased as part of the Oppé Collection with assistance from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund 1996
- Reference
- T08469
Display caption
This is Rowlandson's sketch for an etching, to accompany a poem attacking the President of the Royal Society, Sir Joseph Banks. Banks is shown on the right, gnawing on a serpent. He owned
a large collection of natural specimens, such as birds and snakes, which he displayed at his London home. However, his critics felt his obsession with natural history prevented him from dealing
with more important philosophical
issues. Here Banks feasts on his various specimens, while denouncing those who question his interests and his Presidency: 'Tell, then, each pretty President creator/ Confound him - that I'll eat an alligator'.
Gallery label, August 2004
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