Schakend gezelschap 1768

Benoît Louis Henriquez created this print, titled ‘Schakend Gezelschap’ – or ‘Checkmate’, in 1768, after a painting by Amédée van Loo. It provides a glimpse into the leisure activities of the French upper classes, and also hints at the changing role of women in the eighteenth century. We see a group of elegantly dressed figures gathered around a chess table, their faces illuminated by soft light. The architecture creates a theatrical backdrop for this intimate scene. Chess, often associated with strategy, intellect, and warfare, was a popular pastime among the aristocracy. The presence of women actively participating in the game challenges traditional gender roles, and perhaps reflects the growing influence of women in intellectual and cultural spheres. As art historians, we can delve into the print culture of 18th-century France, consulting period publications, social histories, and even chess manuals to reconstruct the complex social and intellectual environment that shaped both its production and reception. Through this historical analysis, we can appreciate the full cultural significance of this seemingly simple image.