Cardplayers: three men, two seated one standing before a spread of cards on a table 1867

Mariano Fortuny Marsal created this print titled 'Cardplayers' using etching techniques, a medium that allows for detailed and expressive lines. Fortuny was a Spanish painter, printmaker and designer who worked in the mid-19th century, a period marked by significant social and political upheaval across Europe. In 'Cardplayers', we observe three men engaged in a game of cards, yet their posture and expressions hint at something deeper than just a casual pastime. The artist captures a sense of weariness and perhaps desperation in the figures' faces. It suggests a narrative of individuals seeking solace or escape from the harsh realities of their lives. The standing figure, in particular, exudes a sense of anxiety. Fortuny lived during a time of immense change. His art often reflected the lives of ordinary people. 'Cardplayers' is less about the game and more about the emotional states of its participants. It offers a glimpse into their lives, their struggles, and their shared humanity.