Mortal Game (2005)

Oil on canvas, 24" x 12"

Portrait of the boys playing chess, from a photograph posed
specifically for this painting. The name of the painting derives
from the position of the chess pieces on the board; they are
laid out in the endgame position of The Immortal Game between
Adolf Anderssen and Lionel Kieseritzky in London in July of 1851.

The boy on the left has his finger on a piece, ready to move.
Unfortunately, this is not the move which actually won the game
in 1851, so we are reduced to a mere Mortal Game.

The base coat is Bright Yellow acrylic to give the feeling of
bright sunlight coming through the central windows.