Artwork

A Game of Chess

A Game of Chess, by Lucas van Leyden, oil, 1508
A Game of Chess, by Lucas van Leyden, oil, 1508

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.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Lucas van Leyden

Artist

Lucas van Leyden

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Gemäldegalerie Berlin open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.