Jean Simeon Chardin, The House of Cards, probably 1737, oil on canvas, Andrew W. Mellon Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
The House of Cards, probably 1737
Artist: Jean Simeon Chardin (1699-1779)
How old is the youth above? Already demonstrating the skill and concentration generally achieved by adults, carefully building his paper structure on the plush green cloth of a gaming table. Yet, is The House of Cards created by popular 18th century French genre artist Chardin, actually a warning of the likely failure of such a vulnerable construction. Its foundation based on the symbols of gambling including the jack of hearts propped up in the drawer. A lesson even the painting’s early owner Empress Catherine of Russia knew she should heed, for even monarchs can’t control luck (unless they just happen to cheat).
In the public domain, courtesy of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
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