The artwork entitled “The chances of billiards. A scratch all around,” created by Currier and Ives in 1869, embodies the characteristics of the Romanticism movement and falls within the caricature genre. It is part of the series “Billiards.” This work depicts a chaotic and humorous scene centered around a billiards table, presented in a highly detailed manner typical of Currier and Ives prints.
The artwork portrays an interior setting of a well-furnished room with a group of people in various positions of surprise and activity around a billiards table. A man is sprawled across the table, evidently having missed a shot in a dramatic fashion, while a woman clings to another man, both appearing bemused by the unfolding spectacle. To the left, an elderly woman stands with a look of shock or disappointment, holding onto a chair for support. On the floor, a boy crouches next to a dog chasing a ball, adding to the sense of commotion. The room is adorned with elegant furniture, a fireplace, and framed pictures, contributing to the manic yet genteel atmosphere. The detailed interplay of expressions and actions in this work highlights the humor and unpredictability of the scene, consistent with the caricature genre.