Artwork

Winners and Losers, All Are Food for the Devil

Winners and Losers, All Are Food for the Devil, by Nicolas Toussaint Charlet, 1822
Winners and Losers, All Are Food for the Devil, by Nicolas Toussaint Charlet, 1822

Winners and Losers, All Are Food for the Devil is a print by the Romanticist artist Nicolas Toussaint Charlet. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Winners and Losers, All Are Food for the Devil is a print by Nicolas Toussaint Charlet, created in 1822. It is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts three disheveled figures entangled in a chaotic heap within a confined, wooden-walled space. The title suggests that both victors and vanquished are ultimately consumed by a larger, malevolent force, implying a dark commentary on the futility of conflict.

Technique & Style

The work is characterized by rough, expressive lines and shading, conveying a sense of spontaneity and energy. The artist's use of chiaroscuro, or the contrast between light and dark, adds to the dramatic tension of the scene.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Nicolas Toussaint Charlet

Artist

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet

Nicolas-Toussaint Charlet was a French painter and printmaker, more especially of military subjects.

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