Why it matters
An expensively dressed but naive boy plays cards with a cardsharp, who hides extra cards in his belt, while an older man signals over the victim's shoulder. It marked an important milestone as Caravaggio struck out on his own.
Did you know?
- It dates from about 1596–1597.
- The Kimbell Art Museum acquired it in 1987.
- Caravaggio may have painted more than one version.
Based on the Wikipedia article The Cardsharps (CC BY-SA 4.0).
