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Chessmen (32)

19th century

Not on view

The silver king represents Wilhelm I (King of Prussia in 1870, and in 1871 Emperor of Germany), and the queen, Queen Augusta. The black king is emperor Napoleon III and his queen the Empress eugenie. The two kings and queens are very creditable portraits, considering the scale and technique in which they are rendered. In particular, the Empress Eugenie is successful in suggesting the elegance of dress and bearing for which she was famous.

Chessmen (32), Cast iron, German — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Chessmen (32)

Date: 19th century

Culture: German

Medium: Cast iron

Dimensions: Height (each king): 3 in. (7.6 cm);
Height (each pawn): 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm)

Classification: Chess Sets

Credit Line: Gift of Gustavus A. Pfeiffer, 1953

Accession Number: 53.71.61a–p, aa–pp

Chronology

Central Europe and Low Countries, 1800-1900 A.D.

Chess: East and West, Past and Present. A Selection from the Gustavus A. Pfeiffer Collection

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Chessmen (32)

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Central Europe and Low Countries, 1800-1900 A.D.

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Chess: East and West, Past and Present. A Selection from the Gustavus A. Pfeiffer Collection

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European Sculpture and Decorative Arts at The Met

Visiting Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion?

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Chessmen (32)

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Artwork Details

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