The Card Players

Theodor Rombouts is probably the best-known representative of Flemish Caravaggism. His paintings are influenced by the genre scenes of Italian painter Caravaggio (1573–1610), who often depicted people playing music or cards, his typical style including half-length figures and, above all, strong chiaroscuro contrasts.
Card-playing was not approved of in ecclesiastical circles. On the one hand, it was considered to distract people from the important things in life, such as church-going and work, and on the other, it was associated with cursing, stealing and
wasting money. Besides the moralising message, such paintings had also entertainment value, since gaming was widely popular in all walks of society.

HABERSATTER Thomas: Rombouts Théodor, The Card Players, object description for the exhibition "Masterworks. Residenzgalerie Salzburg" (23.2.-3.7.2022)