Created:
Movement:
1594
Baroque
key Notes:
Naturalism, Intense realism.
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Dimensions:
26 3/4 x 35 1/4 in. (68 x 89.5 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Master
New game
story of the work:

"The Card Players," created by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio around 1594, exemplifies the artist's mastery of chiaroscuro and naturalism, depicting a group of young men engrossed in a game of cards, which serves as a commentary on themes of chance and deception. The painting is significant for its influence on the genre of genre painting and its role in the development of Baroque art, showcasing Caravaggio's innovative approach to realism and psychological depth.

Description of the work:

"The Card Players," painted by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio around 1594, depicts a group of young men engaged in a game of cards, characterized by dramatic chiaroscuro that emphasizes the figures' expressions and gestures. The composition is notable for its naturalism, with detailed attention to the textures of clothing and the play of light across the subjects, creating a sense of immediacy and intimacy within the scene.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Harvard Art Museum

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The Card Players