Smithfield sharpers (BM 1938,0609.1)

Seven men (three-quarter length) are grouped round a card-table in a Smithfield tavern. One (right), young and innocent, inspects his cards; beside him an older countryman lies back asleep (right), his dog resting his head on his knee. The other gambler (left), holding his cards, looks at his victim. Three onlookers have crafty expressions. A fat man, smoking, approaches with a bowl of punch. In the bar (left) a fat woman chalks up a score. Coins, a watch, and pocket-book are on the table. A broken mirror and a picture of a horse decorate the walls. Beneath the table are twelve lines describing the sleep of 'Old Trusty' while his son is cheated by 'the Harpy-Tribe',

'By forcing liquor, winking, nodding.' c.1787

Hand-coloured etching and engraving