In the graveyard of a church, Tom Idle gambles with some disreputable companions on a tombstone; the parish beadle stands behind and raises a stick as if to beat Idle. Engraving by Thomas Cook after William Hogarth, 1795.

  • Hogarth, William, 1697-1764.
Date:
1 October 1795
Reference:
38362i
Part of:
Industry and idleness
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view In the graveyard of a church, Tom Idle gambles with some disreputable companions on a tombstone; the parish beadle stands behind and raises a stick as if to beat Idle. Engraving by Thomas Cook after William Hogarth, 1795.

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In the graveyard of a church, Tom Idle gambles with some disreputable companions on a tombstone; the parish beadle stands behind and raises a stick as if to beat Idle. Engraving by Thomas Cook after William Hogarth, 1795. Wellcome Collection. Public Domain Mark. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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Description

Scattered on the ground are several human skulls. The game being played is "hustle-cap" and Idle is attempting to cheat by using his hat to conceal some of the coins. Among the gamblers is a man with an eye-patch, and a shoe-black with his small stool and basket of brushes

Publication/Creation

[London] (no 11 Little Britain) : T. Cook ; [London] (No 25 Paternoster Row) : G.G.& I. Robinson, 1 October 1795.

Physical description

1 print : engraving, with etching ; image 20.7 x 28.8 cm.

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Lettering

The idle prentice at play in the churchyard, during divine service. plate 3. designed by William Hogarth. engraved by Thomas Cook. Proverbs ch: XIX. ver. 29. Judgements are prepared for scorners & stripes for the backs of fools. Lettering within the print

References note

R. Paulson, Hogarth's graphic works, London 1989, 3rd edition, related to 170
British Museum Catalogue of political and personal satires, London 1877, vol. 3, no. 2914

Reference

Wellcome Collection 38362i

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