Dispersion of the Thimble Rig 1834

"Dispersion of the Thimble-Rig" is a satirical print created by John Doyle in 1834. The image portrays a group of men engaged in the thimble-rig scam, a common street con at the time. Doyle's caricature highlights the humorous absurdity of the con, emphasizing the greedy nature of the participants and the gullibility of those watching. The work is a social commentary on the underbelly of 19th-century London, serving as a reminder of the constant battle between wit and deception. The print, now residing in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a glimpse into the social and criminal practices of the Victorian era, offering a humorous yet critical lens on the complexities of human interaction.