1651
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Gamesters is a 1651 ink by Wenceslaus Hollar, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching shows a chaotic scene of people playing cards at a table. Skeletons and odd figures lurk in the corners, while one man points dramatically at the cards. The border is packed with tiny, strange creatures—some laughing, others holding skulls. The title *Gamesters* hints this isn’t just a game—it’s a warning about greed and luck. The artist packed the edges with tiny, eerie details, like a hidden world of mischief. Next, check out etching to see how artists like Hollar carved these sharp, layered lines.
Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.
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