Mannen spelen dobbelspel, op de grond zit aap met speelkaarten 1642

This etching, titled "Mannen spelen dobbelspel, op de grond zit aap met speelkaarten" (Men play dice, a monkey sits on the ground with playing cards), created in 1642 by Cornelis van Dalen I, depicts a scene of gambling. The illustration is a frontispiece for a book by Pascasius Justus, likely a treatise on the game of dice. The composition features men around a table playing with dice, a monkey observing them on the ground, and an illustration of a woman watching from a window. This dynamic, detailed artwork serves as a visual representation of the book's subject matter, offering a glimpse into 17th-century Dutch society and its fascination with games of chance. The work is a fine example of the etching technique, known for its intricate detail and ability to capture subtle contrasts in light and shadow.