Chessmen (72) with box-board 1850 - 1860

François Gilot's "Chessmen (72) with box-board" (1850-1860) is a striking set of ivory chess pieces housed in a mahogany box. The design features a unique blend of classical and Renaissance styles, with the kings, queens, and bishops carved as busts while the knights and rooks are represented more traditionally. This set, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to Gilot's skillful craftsmanship and highlights the enduring allure of chess as a game of strategy and artistry.