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.
![[Three Male Nudes], Thomas Anshutz, 1880s](https://media.getty.edu/iiif/image/4a36eead-6d56-44bd-97d0-b57135a6b504/full/!1200,1200/0/default.jpg)