{"product_id":"auction-of-relics-at-avignon-thomas-rowlandson","title":"Auction of Relics at Avignon - Thomas Rowlandson","description":"\u003cp\u003eA satirical etching by Thomas Rowlandson depicting a chaotic auction of religious relics, published in 1818 for Ackermann's Repository of Arts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis etching by Thomas Rowlandson, titled Auction of Relics at Avignon, was published in February 1818 for Rudolph Ackermann's Repository of Arts. Rowlandson, a prolific British caricaturist, frequently turned his satirical gaze toward the social and religious customs of the Continent. In this scene, he depicts a chaotic auction room where various religious artefacts are being sold to a motley crowd of bidders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is crowded, typical of Rowlandson's style, with an auctioneer positioned on a raised platform at the left, gavel in hand. Behind him, a cabinet labelled 'Collection of Relics' displays the items under scrutiny. The room is filled with a diverse array of figures, ranging from monks and nuns to secular gentlemen in top hats, all caught in various states of agitation, greed, or confusion. The artist employs his characteristic fluid line work, combined with a muted watercolour wash, to define the exaggerated facial expressions and gestures of the participants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRowlandson's work often functioned as social commentary, and here he mocks the commercialisation of religious items. The absurdity of the situation is amplified by the varied reactions of the crowd, from the man gesturing wildly in the centre to the seated figures examining their catalogues. The architectural setting, with its simple arches and columns, provides a neutral backdrop that allows the focus to remain on the human drama unfolding in the foreground. This print offers a glimpse into the satirical culture of early 19th-century Britain, where such caricatures were widely circulated and enjoyed for their wit and observational humour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-relics-of-a-prophet-or-huntingdons-sale-george-cruikshank\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Relics of a Prophet, or Huntingdon's Sale by George Cruikshank\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/here-is-a-lot-of-money-for-your-honor-milord-here-is-a-lot-of-honor-for-your-money-sire-paul-gavarni\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eHere is a lot of money for Your Honor, Milord. Here is a lot of honor for your money, Sire. by Paul Gavarni\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Thomas Rowlandson","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":59115293770063,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":59115350524239,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":59115350557007,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59115350589775,"sku":null,"price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59115350622543,"sku":null,"price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59115350655311,"sku":null,"price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59115350688079,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59115350720847,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59115350753615,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59115350786383,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59115350819151,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59115350851919,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Auction-of-Relics-at-Avignon_Poster_CompositorV1_1791930470499.jpg?v=1791942525","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.com\/products\/auction-of-relics-at-avignon-thomas-rowlandson","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}