Tric-trac Players by Candlelight

This print records a lost painting by Antwerp artist Adam de Coster, whose nickname was Pictor noctium (‘Painter of the Nights’), since he was known for his dramatically lit nocturnal scenes. Like the etching by Van Vliet hanging nearby, this composition features a standing tric-trac player silhouetted against candlelight. The flames and plumes of smoke of the candles are particularly well observed.