Caricature of Two Men with Drawn Swords (One of a Set of Three) John Sell Cotman (1782-1842)

The watercolor drawing presents two men in what appears to be a staged confrontation. They stand facing each other on what seems to be a public square or park, delineated by a low horizon line and buildings receding into the distance. The background is rendered with less detail, suggesting an urban setting of some scale, though specific architectural identifiers are vague.
The men themselves are the focal point. Both are dressed in military-style attire – one in a blue coat with white facings and a tall black hat, the other in a red coat with gold embellishments and a tricorn hat adorned with what appears to be a plume or feather. They both hold swords drawn, held at an angle that suggests a theatrical posture rather than genuine aggression. The man on the left leans casually on a walking stick, his expression one of mild annoyance or perhaps boredom. His stance is relaxed, almost dismissive. The other man stands more rigidly, with a slightly strained and affected expression, attempting to convey seriousness but ultimately appearing somewhat ridiculous.
The subtext of this drawing lies in its satirical nature. It’s unlikely that the scene depicts an actual duel or military engagement. Instead, it seems to mock the posturing and formality often associated with military culture and perhaps even aristocratic displays of honor. The exaggerated expressions and stiff poses contribute to a sense of absurdity. The contrast between the two men – one relaxed and nonchalant, the other overly serious – further emphasizes this satirical intent.
The setting itself reinforces the feeling of artificiality. The indistinct background suggests that the scene is not taking place in a significant or historically important location, but rather in a generic space designed for public display or performance. This contributes to the overall impression that what we are witnessing is a carefully constructed and deliberately humorous tableau. The drawing’s title hints at its belonging to a series, suggesting a broader commentary on social conventions or personalities through caricature.