“Tric Trac Players,” painted by Pieter de Hooch circa 1652-1655, is an oil painting on wood with dimensions of 46 x 33 cm. Representing the Baroque art movement, this genre painting is currently housed in the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin, Ireland.
The artwork depicts a dimly lit interior scene featuring three figures engaged around a tric-trac board, a game similar to backgammon. The central figure, a woman, appears in vibrant light and dressed in white, drawing the viewer’s attention with her serene expression and direct engagement with the other participants. To her left, a standing man leans forward, enshrouded in shadow, exuding a sense of contemplation or dialogue. Seated to her right is another man, richly attired and relaxed, seemingly engrossed in the game or conversation. The room’s modest furnishings and muted palette enhance the intimate and contemplative atmosphere typical of de Hooch’s genre scenes, capturing a timeless moment of social interaction and daily life.
