Nude bust of a girl playing chess (Les Echecs) (one of a pair of designs for the lids of playing cards or chessmen) 1885 - 1899

This bronze plaque, ‘Nude bust of a girl playing chess’, was designed by Alexandre-Louis-Marie Charpentier, around the turn of the 20th century. Charpentier was deeply involved in the revival of the decorative arts in France. Here, the image of a nude girl playing chess creates meaning through both its visual codes and historical associations. In 19th century France, chess was becoming increasingly popular across social classes, but the image of a nude girl playing chess is rather subversive in this historical context. It critiques the institutions of art and education, which tended to sexualize young women while also restricting their access to intellectual pursuits. The decision to depict the figure in the nude challenges prevailing social norms, particularly regarding female education and representation in art. To understand Charpentier's intentions better, we might explore his involvement in the decorative arts movement and consult documents from the time that reflect on gender roles and artistic representation. The meaning of this artwork depends greatly on the social and institutional context in which it was made.