Smithfield Sharpers, or the Countryman Defrauded 1787

John Keyse Sherwin produced this engraving, "Smithfield Sharpers, or the Countryman Defrauded," which throws us headfirst into the often brutal social theater of 18th-century England. It's a scene brimming with deception, capturing a group of men preying on what appears to be a naive countryman during a card game. Sherwin was working in a time of enormous social change, and "Smithfield Sharpers" offers a window into the era's stark class divisions and moral ambiguities. The image isn’t just about a simple con game; it's a commentary on the predatory nature of urban life, where innocence is a liability. The setting, likely a tavern, acts as a stage for social interaction, but also a site for exploitation. Sherwin’s world is emotionally charged. The title itself tells a story of loss and deceit. It is a stark reminder of how social and economic power dynamics were exploited. Sherwin does more than just depict a scene; he invites us to reflect on a society where trust is a commodity and vulnerability is a currency.