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Direct scan of object
A Horse Courser selling a Nag - Caveat Emptor
Direct scan of object

A Horse Courser selling a Nag - Caveat Emptor

Dateca. 1752
After work by James Seymour (1702 - 1752)
Engraver Thomas Burford (ca. 1710 - ca. 1770)
MediumHand-colored mezzotint with line engraving
DimensionsOverall: 11 3/8 × 15 1/2in. (28.9 × 39.4cm) Other (Plate): 9 3/4 × 13 7/8in. (24.8 × 35.2cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1956-122,A
DescriptionLower margin reads: "I. Seymour inv. T. Burford fecit. / A Horse Courser selling a Nag. / Caveat Emptor / Published according to Act of Parliament / 5"

Label TextThis is the fifth plate from a set of twelve prints of horses by Thomas Burford after the work of James Seymour. A young man purchases a horse the title infers is a "nag" or horse that is in poor condition or old. "Caveat Emptor" meaning "Buyer Beware." The horse courser or horse dealer, walks along side him with a whip in hand. Stable boy leads the "nag" away.