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'Looking at the comet till you get a criek in the neck', 1811 (etching)
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'Looking at the comet till you get a criek in the neck', 1811 (etching)
7340076 'Looking at the comet till you get a criek in the neck', 1811 (etching) by Rowlandson, Thomas (1756-1827); 39.2x26.5 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Hand-coloured satirical print, published in 1811, showing a domestic scene of an older man, wearing a dressing gown and night-cap, looking out of a window with a spyglass at the comet of that year. He fails to notice the romantic scene between a young woman and man. This is a common trope, represented also in Le Marchand de Lunettes (ZBA4477), in which those with an interest in astronomy are so distracted by other-worldly thoughts that they fail to see what is going on under their noses.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38372208
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
Aged Persons Brass Telescope Comet Comet Star Courting Elderly Man Etching Interior Scene Love Scene Loving Modern Telescope Neck Observation Observe Observing Old Age Old Couple Old Person Old Woman Romanticism (love) Seduct Senior Adult Shooting Star Skies Star Stars Telescope Telescopes Windows Wooing Wounded Limb Wounds And Injuries
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this hand-colored satirical print from 1811 by Thomas Rowlandson, titled 'Looking at the comet till you get a criek in the neck', we see a humorous domestic scene unfold. An older man, clad in a dressing gown and night-cap, is completely engrossed in observing a comet through his spyglass out of the window. Little does he realize that just behind him, a young woman and man are engaged in a romantic moment.
This common trope of being so preoccupied with other-worldly thoughts that one misses what is happening right under their nose is humorously depicted here. The man's fascination with astronomy has led to him getting a crick in his neck from staring at the comet for too long.
The colorful illustration captures the whimsical nature of the situation, highlighting how distractions can sometimes lead to comical consequences. Through clever satire and playful imagery, Rowlandson invites viewers to reflect on the importance of staying present and not missing out on life's simple pleasures amidst our obsessions.
This charming etching serves as a reminder to balance our interests and passions with an awareness of our surroundings, lest we end up like the oblivious stargazer with a sore neck.
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