Chess
Datecompleted May 1889
Artist
John Rogers
(American sculptor, 1829–1904)
MediumPainted plaster
Dimensions21 1/2 × 17 3/4 × 18 in. (54.6 × 45.1 × 45.7 cm)
Credit LineGift of Anonymous Donors, 2005
Object number2005-61
On View
Not on viewClassificationsSCULPTURE
Label TextMany of Rogers' sculptures feature ordinary Americans in contemporary dress, but these chess players wear clothing from a century earlier, and the fancy furnishings and elaborate jackets may indicate a European setting. The artist was an avid chess player and he's set the board to indicate that the younger man (at right) will triumph. Both players' awareness of the situation is apparent in their differing reactions: the young man leaning back relaxed, while his companion studies the board earnestly.
