Kaartspelers 1640 - 1670

Theodoor Rombouts created this print, "Kaartspelers," in the Netherlands at an unknown date. It depicts a group of people gathered around a table, deeply engaged in a game of cards. During Rombouts' time, card games were a popular form of entertainment, particularly among the wealthier classes. But they were also associated with gambling, drinking, and other vices. Notice how Rombouts makes the central male figure identifiable as a soldier through his feathered hat, slashed doublet, and sword. By the 17th century, soldiers often found themselves moving from place to place in search of work and their image was often caught up with immoral behavior such as gambling. As art historians, we have access to a wide range of resources, from historical documents to contemporary accounts, that can shed light on the social and cultural context in which this print was made. By drawing on these resources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the meaning and significance of Rombouts' work, as well as the social structures of his time.