Triktrak spelende mannen 1623 - 1653

This print, made by Pieter Nolpe, likely in the 17th century, shows men playing Triktrak. It was made using the technique of etching, where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, then filled with ink to create an image. The real subject here isn’t just men enjoying a game, but also the material culture of leisure in the Dutch Golden Age. The smoke, the costumes, the board, and the domestic architecture all tell a story of a society that was becoming increasingly prosperous, worldly, and commercial. Note the detailed rendering achieved through the etching process, which captures the textures of clothing, the smoke swirling from the pipe, and even the play of light on the interior surfaces. Nolpe’s print not only freezes a moment in time but also showcases the skilled labor involved in both the depicted scene, and the printmaking itself. The men's stylish clothing and the overall setting imply a world of commerce, consumption, and social status.