The junction by Elephant and Castle

Thomas Rowlandson’s drawing shows the busy junction in front of the Elephant and Castle Inn. A leisurely group idles at the sign-post in the centre of the composition, while traffic mills around them. Men are shown herding cattle, while pedestrians, riders and carriages navigate the busy crossroads. In the foreground a crowd has gathered which is a gallery of Rowlandson types, including portly men, buxom women and barking dogs. As ever, Rowlandson merges the subtly satirical with the literal to humorous effect.

Rowlandson was chiefly known for his satirical interpretations of contemporary society. He observed and parodied the daily occurrences of city life and his drawings offer a unique insight into the customs, experiences and misfortunes of Londoners.