The Thimble Rig: "A Scene from the Derby" 1834

This lithograph was made by John Doyle, probably in the 1820s, using a stone matrix and greasy crayons. It depicts a scene of trickery at the Derby, a famous horse race. The beauty of lithography resides in the flatness of its mark, and the ability to create subtle gradations of tone. Doyle expertly uses the tools of lithography to create a satirical image of social commentary; the artist exposes the dark underbelly of entertainment, as the print illustrates a group of men huddled around a rigged game of chance, known as Thimble Rig. The print becomes a social commentary, a way to address political events or popular customs of the time. Lithography democratized image-making, as artists could produce multiple copies of their work for wider distribution, reflecting the shift towards mass production and consumption. In the end, this print not only showcases the technical prowess of lithography, but also highlights its potential for artistic expression and social critique.