Kaartspelers 1655 - 1700

Jan van Somer created this print, Kaartspelers, using a burin. The card players, huddled together in a dimly lit space, invite us to consider not only their game but also the broader societal games they are engaged in. In the 17th and 18th centuries, gambling was a popular pastime across various social classes in Europe. However, it also carried moral and social implications, often associated with vice, idleness, and the potential for financial ruin. Through dress and depiction, the artist alludes to the complex interplay of social status, personal choice, and the ever-present risks inherent in games of chance. The print, with its emotional intensity, invites reflection on the societal structures that shape individual destinies.