Playing with Money 1808

"Playing with Money" is a watercolor by Bartolomeo Pinelli, an Italian artist known for his depictions of everyday life. The painting, dating back to 1808, portrays a group of men engaged in a lively game of chance, likely a popular street game in Rome during Pinelli's time. The scene unfolds on a rural hillside, with the men's casual attire and focused expressions capturing the spontaneity and camaraderie of the game. This artwork, now part of the Cooper Hewitt (Smithsonian Design) Museum collection in New York City, provides a glimpse into the social dynamics and leisure activities of early 19th-century Roman society.