Ganzenbord 1763 - 1823

This is Jan Oortman Senior's ‘Ganzenbord’, a hand-colored etching from the late 18th century. The work presents us with an oval track of numbered circles on a rectangular background. The dominant color is the off-white of the paper itself, punctuated by the black ink of the etching and delicate washes of light blue, brown, and rose. Looking closely, we can discern the interplay of structure and chance. The numbered circles, each a signifier in a game of strategy, are interspersed with images of roses and thorny branches – semiotic symbols representing the shifting fortunes in life. The eye is led inexorably towards the center, a classical pavilion set against a rising sun, symbolizing perhaps a hoped-for enlightenment. The game board becomes more than mere entertainment. Oortman uses compositional elements to challenge the viewer to interpret the patterns of luck and the pathways to success. Does the structure of the game mirror the structural determinism in society? A question, perhaps, for us to ponder as we reflect on the game's enduring appeal.