Marvelous Print "The Gamblers" c 1778, London, England

Fine Art : Antique : Printmaking : Scorodoomoff

 

This is a rare treasure. It does not photograph well, but it is quite vivid in person, especially considering its age. The two men are playing cards; a lady who is obviously an associate of the man across the table holds a mirror for him to see the cards of the man by whom she is seated. "Babwen pinxit" is printed at the lower left of the picture; "G Scorodoomoff sculpsit" is printed at the lower right of the picture. Underneath, it says "THE GAMBLERS LES JOUEURS" . In smaller letters, I cannot read the first word, but the balance says "as the act directs Dec. 1, 1778, and to be had at Torres Printseller, No 44 in Market Lane behind the Opera House, London. The print itself is about 11 inches tall, 8 and 3/4 inches wide. It is matted, 15 inches by 12 inches. Measurements with the frame 17 inches high by 14 inches wide. The print is in Very Good Condition for its age. Wear is commensurate with age. The frame is in Very Good Condition. (Frame may not be original).

I am delighted to see another of the same print in the British Museum, that was acquired by them in 1888. I am not allowed by Ruby Lane to include any other website, but it is easy to find on a search engine.

The following is their description that I copied from their website:

Title The Gamblers Les Joueurs

Materials paper (all objects)

Techniques stipple (scope note | all objects)

Production person After Theodor van Baburen (biographical details | all objects) Print made by Gabriel Scorodumoff (biographical details | all objects) Published by Torre & Co (biographical details | all objects) Date 1778 Schools /Styles Russian (all objects)

Description An old man plays with cards against a young soldier while a woman holds up a mirror so the soldier can see his opponent's hand, after Baburen. 1778

Stipple

Inscriptions Inscription Content: Lettered on plate with title, names of painter and engraver "Babwen [sic] pinxit / G.Scorodoomoff Engr. to her Impl. Maj. of all the Russias sculpsit" and production details: "Published as the Act directs, \Decr. 1, 1778, and to be had at Torre's Printseller No.44 Market Lane behind the Opera House, London".

Dimensions Height: 247 Missing value Width: 191 millimetres

Subject gambling/gaming (scope note | all objects)

Acquisition date 1888

Item ID: 546