A Game of Cards 1870 - 1891

Charles Samuel Keene created "A Game of Cards," a sepia-toned drawing now held at the Art Institute of Chicago. Keene, working in the mid-19th century, was known for his satirical illustrations in "Punch" magazine, and this piece offers a glimpse into the social dynamics of Victorian England. Here, four men are gathered around a table, deeply engrossed in a game of cards. What strikes me is the way Keene captures their intense concentration, but also clues us into their social standing. The men’s hats and the way they are dressed become symbolic of their identities. Do they offer us a window into the complex intersections of class, leisure, and masculinity in Victorian society? The drawing feels like a snapshot of a very specific moment, an intimate glimpse into a private world that speaks volumes about the broader culture.