Triktrak spel om Bergen, 1709 1623 - 1709

This print, made by Pieter Nolpe in 1709, and now held at the Rijksmuseum, depicts a group of men intensely engaged in a game of Triktrak. But look closer; this is not just a scene of leisure. Made in the Netherlands during a time of intense political maneuvering, the print uses the game as a metaphor for the high-stakes power struggles of the era. The verses beneath the image allude to prominent figures and their shifting fortunes, suggesting that, like the game, political life is subject to chance and strategy. The image subtly critiques the culture of gambling and speculation that characterized the Dutch Golden Age, an era in which the pursuit of wealth and power often led to social upheaval. To fully appreciate this image, one might consult historical records, political pamphlets, and even literature from the period. Through such research, we can understand how art serves as a mirror to society, reflecting its anxieties, ambitions, and ultimately, its values.