Who painted Tricktrack-Spieler?

Tricktrack-Spieler was painted by Unknown in 1750.

Where can I see Tricktrack-Spieler?

Tricktrack-Spieler is held by Art Collection of the University Göttingen.

Artwork

Tricktrack-Spieler

Tricktrack-Spieler is a drawing by Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Art Collection of the University Göttingen. The image portrays a modestly illuminated interior where a small group gathers around a low table engaged in a board game.

About this work

Overview

The image portrays a modestly illuminated interior where a small group gathers around a low table engaged in a board game. A man dressed in a green vest leans forward, gripping a thin stick, while his companions observe the play with concentration. A dog rests on the floor nearby, and a woman in a vivid orange skirt stands to the right, adding a splash of colour to the scene.

Subject & Meaning

The activity depicted is the traditional Dutch pastime known as tricktrack, a game that uses sticks and a patterned board. The participants’ focused expressions and the attentive canine convey a sense of domestic leisure, emphasizing the communal nature of the game and its role in everyday social interaction within a household setting.

Technique & Style

Rendered as a drawing, the work relies on chiaroscuro to suggest depth, with dark wooden walls receding into shadow and a modest window admitting muted daylight. The artist employs fine line work to delineate clothing details and the game apparatus, while the limited colour palette—highlighted by the orange skirt—draws the eye to key figures without overwhelming the composition.

Context

Tricktrack was a popular pastime in the Netherlands during the 18th and 19th centuries, often played in homes and taverns. By illustrating this activity, the drawing provides visual documentation of recreational practices and domestic interiors of the period, reflecting broader cultural attitudes toward leisure and family life.

History & Provenance

The drawing is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as an example of folk entertainment and material culture. Its inclusion in the museum’s holdings underscores the institution’s focus on everyday objects and practices that shape communal identity.