Thomas Rowlandson (July 13, 1757 - April 21, 1827) was a prolific English artist who specialized in caricatures and satirical works, as well as unpublished erotica. Born in London, Rowlandson showed both artistic skill and a cheeky streak from a young age. He studied at the Royal Academy from 1772 and spent two years in Paris honing his art skills. He was friends and contemporaries with caricaturists James Gillray and Henry William Bunbury. After some difficulties, Rowlandson found success collaborating with publisher Rudolph Ackermann and satirist William Combe. He helped to develop the character of John Bull, but generally avoided explicitly political caricature, opting instead for social and cultural commentary.