Did you ever wonder why some paintings from famous artists depict gambling scenes? There’s no better example of art imitating life than these paintings, where real-life gamblers are depicted in front of their favorite games.
There’s nothing quite like a good game of roulette or blackjack. Most would agree that the best part of gambling is the thrill of competition — especially against oneself. Yet, despite its reputation for being high stakes, gambling has also long been considered a low-risk form of entertainment. In fact, there was a time when casinos were legal places to gamble, offering all kinds of card games like poker and slot machines.
However, even back then, gambling wasn’t always perceived as harmless fun. As early as the 17th century, religious leaders condemned gambling, arguing that it caused spiritual decay. Although gambling has since become normalized, many contemporary artists still draw inspiration from the original games.
Now, let us look at some of the famous paintings inspired by gambling.
Famous Gambling Paintings You Must Check Out
1. Roulette (1878)
This painting was created by Paul Gauguin in 1878 during his Tahitian adventure. While on this trip, he saw the locals playing a traditional French game of roulette. He took note of how they used an old shoe filled with sand to spin the wheel.
The painting is one of the most iconic examples of the artist’s work. It depicts the figures of two women, while the other players are shown outside the frame. The dark shadows and the use of color suggest a night scene.
2. Black Jack (1905–06)
This painting is by Cezanne, who made this piece between 1905 and 1906. We can see a man in the foreground spinning the wheel while another gambler watches over him. His hand holds a coin with a picture of a face on it.
3. Poker Players: Two Brothers (1790–92)
In another work by Jean-Baptiste Greuze, this painting shows three men playing cards. They’re surrounded by their wives sitting nearby. Their faces are clearly visible so we get to know them very well.
4. Three Heads One Heart (1946)
Although this artwork doesn’t seem to have any connection with gambling, it does feature three “heads” separated by a heart. This is probably a reference to the Three Musketeers; however, this piece could be interpreted differently.
5. The Game of Roles (1900)
This painting is among the works of George Moore. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to discern what kind of game is portrayed here because only the hands of four people are visible. However, it seems they’re playing a game of cards, based on the way each of the hands looks similar.
6. Two Sisters Playing Cards (1750)
One of the most famous paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, this work was never meant to be a gambling scene. Rather, it’s supposed to show the different ways children play with toys.
7. Wheel of Fortune (1940)
As mentioned earlier, the origins of this work weren’t necessarily about gambling but rather about the concept of fortune. At least, this is what the artist claims. Nonetheless, it features a few familiar elements of casino life.
8. Le Jeu des Dames ou les Femmes de la Table (1665)
This piece belongs to Jacques Callot, which was painted around 1665. The title translates as The Game of Women or Ladies at a Gaming Table.
9. A Little Bit of Everything (c. 1910)
As the title suggests, this painting is a bit of everything. It represents a group of gamblers playing many types of gambling games.
10. A Gambler (1899)
If you think this piece is a representation of a particular game, you’d be wrong. Created by Claude Monet, it shows the common poker theme.
11. Card Player (circa 1913)
Probably the most recognizable work from Edvard Munch, this piece is called Card Player. It has been described as a depiction of a woman’s inner conflicts.
12. The Artist’s Wife (1899)
When Munch met Frida Kahlo in Mexico City, she asked him to paint her portrait. In addition to that, she became the model for several of his paintings.
13. Portrait of a Woman Holding Banknotes (c. 1934)
Created by Pablo Picasso, this piece depicts a young girl holding banknotes. She’s dressed like a typical teenager, except for the fact that she wears glasses.
14. The Old Man With a Pipe (1889)
The old man smoking a pipe is one of the best-known images in art history. If not for this image, then at least for its creator – Vincent van Gogh.
15. The Red Hook Gang (1928)
In 1928, Eugene Delacroix traveled through New York City with Henri Fantin-Latour. As he visited some spots in Brooklyn, they painted the streets where dice games were being played.