Artwork
A Game of Chess

A Game of Chess is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Lucas van Leyden. It dates from 1508 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
A Game of Chess is a 1508 painting by Lucas van Leyden, a Dutch artist known for his work in various mediums.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a group of people gathered around a chessboard, where two individuals are engaged in a game. The scene captures a moment of intense focus, with onlookers observing the players' moves.
Technique & Style
The artwork features a predominantly dark color palette, punctuated by bright accents such as red sleeves and a white head covering. The plain background emphasizes the figures and the chess game.
History & Provenance
Created during the Northern Renaissance, the painting is now held in the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Lucas van Leyden (1494 – 8 August 1533), was a Dutch painter and printmaker in engraving and woodcut. Lucas van Leyden was among the first Dutch exponents of genre painting and was a very accomplished engraver.

















