Billiards, Robert Dighton, between 1775 and 1785

A group of eight men (caricatured) round a billiard table. One player is about to make a stroke, his opponent (right) looks on with an expression of horror, biting his thumb. Bets are depending on the result; a pleased spectator (left) holds a handful of coins, another puts his hand into his purse. A very obese man (left) with a wooden leg watches through a glass. The score is shown by two clock-face dials, on one of which the marker puts his hand. Cues stand in racks against the wall. For billiards see also bmsat 5803, 5913. C. 1780s etching with stipple. Date: between 1775 and 1785. Dimensions: Height: 188 mm; ; Width: 237 mm. Medium: paper. Collection: British Museum. Billiards (BM 1861,0518.944)