Chess in Art
Written by Teresita Blanco (The Artsy Sister)
Chess has its roots in India. A Persian King introduced the game to visiting ambassadors. From the 800, and on, Chess became a staple in Persian courts.
This game eventually made its way through Europe thanks to the Moor invaders that were hanging out in Spain. In 1200, King Alfonso published a book of games.
This book prominently featured the game of Chess. From this point on, chess became quite common in European courts.
It eventually tricked down to noble men and Renaissance artist. Its popularity waned in the Rococo and Baroque period. It made a bit comeback in the 1850s.
From this point on, both rich and poor alike knew how to play the game of Kings. Unlike card games, both opponents use the same number of pieces.
What varies is who gets to play first. Most of the chess paintings in the West manifested after the 1850s.
Even grand masters became paint worthy. There is a video of this fanart in my Artsy Sister Youtube channel. Please give a like and subscribe.
