The Chess Players c. 1843 - 1847

"The Chess Players" (c. 1843-1847) is a calotype photograph by William Henry Fox Talbot, a pioneer of photography. Talbot captured the scene of two men engaged in a game of chess, highlighting their focused expressions and the detailed representation of the chessboard. This intimate snapshot demonstrates Talbot's mastery of the early photographic process, showcasing the ability of the calotype to render subtle nuances of light and shadow. The image is housed in The Art Institute of Chicago and is a valuable testament to the evolution of photography in the 19th century.