Triktrakspelers 1659 - 1740

"Triktrakspelers" (1659-1740) is an etching by Dutch artist Jan van der Bruggen (1649-1709). The artwork portrays a scene of three men playing a game of triktrak, a Dutch game similar to backgammon. The etching captures the lively and informal atmosphere of a tavern, with the men engrossed in their game. The detailed rendering of the figures, the table, and the surrounding objects, like a pitcher and the partially visible room beyond, suggests the genre of everyday life, known as genre painting. This small-scale work, measuring 178 mm in height and 230 mm in width, exemplifies the typical Dutch genre paintings of the 17th century, reflecting the everyday lives of ordinary people.