Flemish Artist, Card Players, 1750, Oil on Panel

Flemish school of the 18th century. Oil on panel artwork depicting card players sitting at an outdoor table, probably next to an inn. The innkeeper, depicted standing while offering a carafe of wine to the players, seems to suggest a card, while the other characters participating in the scene are captured in a casual and very dynamic way. A man walks away holding a tray towards the right, to pass under a ruined arch that acts as a lateral wing increasing the depth of the depiction. Behind the players, as the background of the painting, an ancient Northern European house with a sloping tile roof is depicted. Even further away, a portion of the canvas is occupied by the clear sky, tinged with a few blue and pink clouds that suggest the time of sunset. Genre painting is a pictorial representation that has as its subject scenes and events taken from everyday life, such as markets, household chores, the interiors of inns, parties and other convivial moments. Often many paintings that seem to only depict everyday scenes actually illustrate proverbs or convey a moralistic message. The “merry companies”, or as those scenes depicting a group of people having fun are called, convey, for example, the message of avoiding excessive drinking, extravagant spending and vulgar company. Others seem to simply celebrate the pleasures of socializing, as can be assumed for the work in question. Elegant 20th century frame in carved and gilded wood, with some signs of aging. Painting that has undergone restoration with recovery of color in some small spots. Overall in excellent condition. Sight size H 48 x W 37 cm.