Curatorial notes
Mariano Fortuny Marsal created this watercolor painting titled, "Checkers," sometime before his death in 1874. Fortuny, a Spanish painter, printmaker, and designer, had a fascination with Orientalism and historical depictions, which he incorporated into his art. Here, we see a man and a woman engaged in a game of checkers, the man focused on the game while the woman is lost in thought. It evokes a sense of intimacy and domesticity. Fortuny's choice to depict the figures in what appears to be medieval or Renaissance attire, may reflect a broader 19th-century interest in historical revivalism, a yearning to reconnect with the past. The game itself becomes a metaphor for social interactions and gender dynamics within historical contexts. Who has the upper hand in this game? Ultimately, Fortuny's "Checkers" encapsulates a moment of quiet contemplation, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of human relationships and the enduring allure of history.
