The Last Throw 1837 - 1840

Charles Robert Leslie’s painting, "The Last Throw" was created with oil paint applied to a canvas surface. Oil paint, since the early Renaissance, has been the favored medium to depict everything from portraits, landscapes, and historical events. Here, the artist utilizes oil paint’s smooth blending capabilities to create a scene of drama and suspense. Leslie carefully builds up layers of color to give depth to his figures. The figures' skin tones and rich, draped garments invite the viewer to consider their status. The artist captures a moment of tension through the positioning of the dice and the way the figures’ attention is focused on the game. Though the painting’s technique appears traditional, it offers insight into the rituals of chance and wealth during Leslie's time. Understanding the materials, making, and social context allows a deeper engagement with the narrative and helps challenge traditional distinctions between the artistry of painting and the stories it conveys.