'An Elegant Company Playing Cards', attributed to Gawen Hamilton

Artwork details

Artist

Attributed to Gawen Hamilton (c.1698‑1737)

Title

An Elegant Company Playing Cards

Date c.1725

MediumOil paint on canvas

Dimensionssupport: 692 x 577 mm

Collection

Tate

Acquisition Purchased 1967

Reference

T00943

Not on display

Display caption

This is thought to be the work of Gawen Hamilton who specialised in conversation pieces: small-scale paintings depicting family or friends, usually in informal surroundings. Here a group of gentlefolk enjoy a game of cards. Their status as patrons of the arts is suggested by the presence of an artist, his assistant carrying a folder of sketches, and by an allegory of 'Painting and Sculpture' hanging on the wall. In the left corner turned from the group, a small black page fetches a glass of wine from a wine cooler. In many conversation pieces black servants appear as silent shadowy figures, alienated from the life of the household, often depicted like pets or other possessions.

September 2004