Chessmen (32)

Unknown

19th century · Wood, blond and medium blond · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The classic oppositon of Christian and Muslim seems here to be presented as an opposition between Tyroleans and one of the Muslim peoples within the Austro-Hungarian Empire (possibly in an area of modern Yugoslavia, such as Bosnia-Herzegovina). The dress of the queens is clearly modeled on the styles of the period 1828 to 1835, but the pieces are undoubtedly of later date. The king of the Christian side bears a strong resemblance to Emperor Franz Josef and may be taken from a youthful portrait of him. The Muslims are the light side.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Wood, blond and medium blond

Culture

Austrian, Tyrol

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Gustavus A. Pfeiffer, 1948