Tric-trac Players by Candlelight 1619 - 1628
lucasvorstermani
rijksmuseum
print, engraving
portrait
baroque
genre-painting
engraving
"Tric-trac Players by Candlelight" is a 17th-century engraving by Lucas Vorsterman I, showcasing a group of men gathered around a table playing the game of tric-trac. The scene is illuminated by a single candle, creating dramatic chiaroscuro effects and highlighting the figures in the dimly lit room. The engraving, which is part of the Rijksmuseum collection, captures a moment of leisure and camaraderie, offering a glimpse into the social life of the Dutch Golden Age. The use of hatching and cross-hatching techniques creates a sense of depth and texture, contributing to the realism of the image.
Comments
This print records a lost painting by Antwerp artist Adam de Coster, whose nickname was Pictor noctium (‘Painter of the Nights’), since he was known for his dramatically lit nocturnal scenes. Like the etching by Van Vliet hanging nearby, this composition features a standing tric-trac player silhouetted against candlelight. The flames and plumes of smoke of the candles are particularly well observed.
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