12/1999

Collection

Paintings, Prints and Drawings

Brief description

Etching on paper entitled 'GAME of CHESS' by George Cruikshank, possibly from an original drawing by Captain Frederick Marryat, published by Thomas McClean in London in 1835.

Title

GAME of CHESS

Object name

Object number

12/1999

Production person

George Cruikshank (engraver)
Thomas McLean (publisher)
Captain Frederick Marryat (artist)

Production date

1835 (published)

Production place

London (published)

Period

Georgian (1714-1837)

Material

paper

Technique

printed
etched

Physical description

Etching on paper, with title and publication line printed below the image and with a visible plate mark.

Content description

This etching depicts four men in an interior with two men seated at a table playing chess and one man standing behind each of the players offering advice. The man standing on the right holds a small magnifying glass up to his eye whilst the player in front of him makes his move on the chess board. The man who stands to the left has his fingers up to his pursed lips and the player wags his finger, suggesting his opponent is making a bad or incorrect move. The table is covered with a cloth and has two lit candles in candlesticks upon it.

There is a fitted carpet on the floor and a hearth rug in front of the fireplace which has a curved fender, hob grate and fire tongs, there is a bell pull to the left of the fireplace. On the wall in the background are a number of framed pictures, the biggest and most visible shows a game of skittles being played in the countryside, the game is watched by a donkey (ass), this is a comment on the men playing the game of chess. In the foreground a small dog lies on the floor.

Dimensions

Height: 27.8cm
Width: 41.4cm

Website keywords

pets
games
seating
tables
candle and rush lighting
pictures