The Thimble Rig: "A Scene from the Derby"

July 10, 1834

Not on view

The imagery of this political satire derives from a speech by Lord Stanley made in Parliament that condemned plans by the government led by Lord Grey to divert Irish church funds to non-religious uses. The gambling game Thimble Rig (a kind of shell game) is being conducted by Edward John Littleton, supported by Lord Russell and Thomas Spring Rice, Lord Althorp and Lord Grey. John Bull stands at left as Stanley warns him against being cheated. At far left, Daniel O'Connell leads an Irishman away who would like to participate but cannot because of lack of funds.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: The Thimble Rig: "A Scene from the Derby"
Series/Portfolio: HB Sketches, No. 329
Artist: John Doyle (Irish, Dublin 1797–1868 London)
Publisher: Thomas McLean (British, 1788–1875)
Subject: Edward John Littleton, 1st Baron Hatherton (British, 1791–1863)
Subject: John Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl Spencer
Subject: Daniel O'Connell (Irish, Cahirciveen, Kerry 1775–1847 Genoa)
Subject: Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey (British, Northumberland 1764–1845 Northumberland)
Subject: Edward George Geoffrey Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby (British, 1799–1869)
Subject: Thomas Spring Rice, 1st Baron Monteagle (British, 1790–1866)
Date: July 10, 1834
Medium: Lithograph
Dimensions: Sheet: 11 11/16 × 16 15/16 in. (29.7 × 43 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 2014
Object Number: 2014.757.5(11)
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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