Twee tric-trac (backgammon) spelende mannen, een derde kijkt toe 1739 - 1804

Johann Andreas Benjamin Nothnagel created this print depicting men playing backgammon in the 18th century. The scene provides us with a window into leisure activities of the time, but also, perhaps unintentionally, into social hierarchies. Made in the Netherlands, this image reflects the Dutch Golden Age's fascination with scenes of everyday life. The choice of backgammon as a subject is not accidental. Games of chance and skill were popular pastimes, often depicted in art as emblems of human folly or social commentary. The setting, likely a tavern, suggests a space where social classes might mix, but also where potential tensions could arise. Note that one man is standing, which may be a sign of social hierarchy. To truly understand this print, we need to delve into the social and cultural history of the Netherlands during the 1700s. Examining period literature, social commentary, and records of leisure activities would help reveal the nuances of this seemingly simple scene. This reveals the value of art history: that is not only aesthetics but cultural context.