Kaartspelers 1600 - 1700

This image, "Kaartspelers," or "The Card Players," was etched anonymously, but probably in the Dutch Republic, sometime in the seventeenth century. It depicts two couples enjoying a game of cards, while a dog begs for coins from the players. The clothing, the pastimes, and the setting all signal the upper classes. We can examine this image as evidence of the social and economic conditions of the time. The Dutch Republic was a major center of trade and commerce, and this newfound wealth gave rise to a culture of leisure and conspicuous consumption. Such scenes of card playing, drinking, and merrymaking were very popular in Dutch art, as were images of feasting dogs. This print offers a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy elite, who had the time and resources to indulge in such pleasures. To understand the social context of "The Card Players," we can look at period literature and the social history of the Netherlands. In this way we might discern how it reflects or critiques the values of its time.