The Trouble with Sport 18th-19th century

Curator: This is "The Trouble with Sport," a print by Jean Baptiste Michel Dupréel, found in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It looks like an old tavern scene. Everyone's huddled together. I get the feeling that something illicit is happening, a bit shady. Curator: Indeed. Prints such as this circulated widely and contributed to debates about morality and public order. The artist uses stark contrasts, highlighting the potential pitfalls of leisure. Editor: The word "trouble" certainly sums it up, I can see the tension brewing. You feel it in their gestures and the overall composition. Curator: Exactly. These kinds of works acted as cautionary tales, commenting on the social norms of the period. Editor: Well, it makes you think about the darker sides of games, doesn't it? A timeless warning, really.