Checker Players

Thomas Anshutz, Checker Players, ca. 1895, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Orrin Wickersham June, 1967.136.4
Thomas Anshutz, Checker Players, ca. 1895, oil on canvas, 16 1⁄8 x 20 1⁄8 in. (40.8 x 51.0 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Orrin Wickersham June, 1967.136.4
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Artwork Details

Title
Checker Players
Artist
Date
ca. 1895
Location
Dimensions
16 1⁄8 x 20 1⁄8 in. (40.8 x 51.0 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Orrin Wickersham June
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Children
  • Recreation — sport and play — checkers
Object Number
1967.136.4
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1967.136.4

Artwork Description

Two boys sit engrossed in a game of checkers, each focusing intently on his next move. The dark, featureless interior draws our attention to the players' rigid poses. The lack of movement, somber tones, and carefully balanced composition create a serious image around a familiar game, something that is usually viewed as carefree and fun.

Works by this artist (6 items)

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John White Alexander, June, ca. 1911, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of William Alexander, 1916.10.1
June
Artist
Dateca. 1911
oil on canvas
On view
John White Alexander, Skull, ca. 1890, monotype on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1985.79.2
Skull
Artist
Dateca. 1890
monotype on paper
Not on view
Henry Wolf, John White Alexander, The Quiet Hour, 1903, wood engraving on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, 1973.130.199
The Quiet Hour
Artist
Date1903
wood engraving on paper
Not on view
Henry Wolf, John White Alexander, A Flower, 1905, wood engraving on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, 1973.130.214
A Flower
Artist
Date1905
wood engraving on paper
Not on view

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Self-Portrait Reflected in Mirror
Artist
Date1896
oil on canvas
Not on view