Boeren die triktrak spelen 1705

Willem de Broen made this print of peasants playing backgammon sometime between 1686 and 1748. The scene is humble, depicting a group of men gathered, most likely at a local inn, and deeply engrossed in their game. The print offers a window into the leisure activities of the Dutch working class during the 18th century. It shows the role of social spaces like inns in community life, where people gathered for entertainment and camaraderie. De Broen’s detailed rendering provides insight into the clothing, posture, and expressions of his subjects. The inclusion of details like the simple furniture, the clay jug, and the overall rustic setting, all paint a picture of everyday life in the Dutch countryside. The text beneath the image tells that men gamble, but this gambler has lost everything. The print is a social commentary on the lives of ordinary people during the artist's lifetime. Historians often turn to similar prints to better understand the daily routines, values, and social structures of past societies. By looking at how people spent their time and resources, we gain insight into their social values and cultural norms.