The Interrupted Game (Le Jeu intérrompu) 1730 - 1768

Editor: So, we're looking at "The Interrupted Game" – or "Le Jeu interrompu" – a print made sometime between 1730 and 1768, after a painting by Queriole Pezze, with an engraving by Delarüe. It depicts three people gathered around a table, and the scene seems pretty tense. I am struck by the somber, shadowy feel to this work. How do you interpret it? Curator: Considering its creation within the 18th century and its Baroque influence, what initially grabs my attention is how it serves as a window into social rituals around leisure. How do you perceive the interruption announced by the title? Is it an external event or internal conflict causing that feeling of tension? Editor: Good question. Perhaps a conflict? Maybe somebody lost? It does feel like the stakes are high for these people in this scene. Curator: Exactly. Genre scenes such as this one played a critical role. Notice how the setting, likely a tavern or home, positions this game within everyday life. Consider the implications, both societal and political. How would such a depiction of ordinary life play with viewers of the time, in contrast to, say, the aristocratic scenes of courtly life? Editor: So, the everyday setting, along with the title itself, makes me think this challenges traditional representations of the nobility? It makes the leisure of common folk valid, almost. Curator: Precisely. And look closer. This engraver emphasizes realism, placing emphasis on commoner experience at the expense of idealized beauty. But who *is* the "interrupter"? Does anyone or thing fill this role, besides some unfortunate draw in cards? Editor: I am starting to think it might be all about subverting societal norms, and representing the rise of different classes. Curator: Right. We also have the complex layers through the visual culture and print, since we are one step removed from Pezze. That raises key questions about social values. Thanks to you, now I want to examine prints such as this in order to consider both the artistic intent but also reflect on wider shifts in power.