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Dr Johnson and James Boswell recovering from a hangover after a night on the town. Artist: Thomas Rowlandson
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Dr Johnson and James Boswell recovering from a hangover after a night on the town. Artist: Thomas Rowlandson
Dr Johnson and James Boswell recovering from a hangover after a night on the town. Boswell has a Bible open and reads: be not filled with wine wherein is excess. A critic, lexicographer, essayist, biographer and poet, Dr Johnson (1709-1784) was one of the oustanding personalities of 18th century Britain. In 1755 he published his Dictionary of the English Language, regarded as the first great English dictionary, which took him 8 years to compile. Noted as a wit and conversationalist, Johnson founded the Literary Club in c1763, which numbered David Garrick, Edmund Burke, Oliver Goldsmith and Joshua Reynolds amongst its distinguished membership. Much of his derives from his highly popular biography, Life of Johnson, written by his friend and contemporary, James Boswell (1740-1795)
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Media ID 14837731
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Alcohol Biographer Boswell Critic Doctor Johnson Dr Johnson Dr Samuel Dr Samuel Johnson Essayist Georgian Hangover Headache Illness James Boswell Johnson Lexicographer Overindulgence Rowlandson Samuel Samuel Johnson Thomas Rowlandson Ann Ronan Pictures
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this humorous and insightful print by Thomas Rowlandson, we see the renowned Dr Samuel Johnson and his close friend James Boswell recovering from a night of excessive drinking. The scene captures the aftermath of their wild escapades, with both men nursing hangovers. Boswell, perhaps feeling guilty about their overindulgence, is depicted reading from an open Bible, specifically highlighting the verse "be not filled with wine wherein is excess". This juxtaposition between their hedonistic behavior and religious teachings adds a layer of irony to the image. Dr Johnson was a multifaceted figure in 18th century Britain. Known for his wit and conversational skills, he founded the esteemed Literary Club which boasted members such as David Garrick, Edmund Burke, Oliver Goldsmith, and Joshua Reynolds. His most notable achievement was publishing the groundbreaking Dictionary of the English Language in 1755 after eight years of meticulous work. The print also pays homage to James Boswell's contribution to literature through his highly popular biography titled Life of Johnson. Boswell's friendship with Dr Johnson allowed him unique insights into the man behind the genius. Rowlandson's caricature style brings out both humor and satire in this portrayal. It serves as a reminder that even great minds like Dr Samuel Johnson were not immune to human weaknesses such as alcohol-induced hangovers. This lighthearted depiction showcases these historical figures' humanity while celebrating their significant contributions to British literature and intellectual life during the Georgian era.
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