Soldiers Playing Cards and Dice (The Cheats) by Valentin de Boulogne

Valentin de Boulogne, Soldiers Playing Cards and Dice (The Cheats) (detail), c. 1620/1622, National Gallery of Art, Washington, Patrons' Permanent Fund 1998.104.1

The Story

The dupe: a young man is engrossed by his cards, oblivious to the activity around him. His soft, pink silk shirt, adorned with lace and ribbons, and fair, smooth skin give him away—he appears to be wealthy but also inexperienced. It is getting late. Dark circles begin to shroud his eyes, the shadow of a beard circles his mouth, and locks of hair fall over his forehead.

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