True artists can draw inspiration from anything. Positive and adverse events, emotions, or encounters can generate that creative spark that enriches the world with incredible artwork. Casino games and gambling make no exception, as they have the power to inspire artists who are known to be drawn by the allure of games of chance.
That’s the case of Edvard Munch, a Norwegian painter who, after spending two years in Nice, gave the world “At the Roulette Table in Monte Carlo” in 1892. This article explores the link between Edvard’s passion for roulette and one of his unusual creations. Keep reading to discover the story behind this painting and what makes it so attractive.
Who is Edvard Munch?
Edvard Munch was born on December 12, 1863, and started his artistic career in 1880, which he continued until his death. He developed a unique style that merged Symbolism with Expressionism, which served as a bridge between the divergent artistic movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. Munch is the most globally recognized Norwegian visual artist, and his work “The Scream” is particularly famous. It has been extensively reproduced, adapted, and spoofed, allowing its essence to be reinterpreted across various historical, political, and cultural contexts.
Edvard Munch was a highly productive artist whose legacy extends beyond his most famous works. He created over 1,500 paintings, which are attributed to him, making him a significant contributor to the art world.
An Unusual Painting from Edvard Munch
In 1892, Edvard Munch created ‘At the Roulette Table in Monte Carlo’ in his late twenties. At this time, he had yet to establish his signature style. He was still experimenting with symbolism and content, which explains why this work differs significantly from his later pieces. For instance, compared to ‘The Scream,’ this painting might seem like a different artist created it.
The painting captures a bustling scene of individuals congregating around a roulette table, with all seats occupied and some spectators standing nearby. The players, primarily middle-aged or elderly men with only a few women among them, appear deeply engrossed in the game. This composition might reflect the exclusivity of the casino, located in Monte Carlo, a destination favored by Europe’s wealthiest and most famous people.
Interestingly enough, Monte Carlo Casino’s exclusivity has not changed a bit since Munch painted this. Only players with a considerable budget and status can truly say they’re enjoying the casino games to the maximum. While visitors are welcome, most tourists at the casino in Monte Carlo prefer to bet on online roulette, where the bet limits are lower, and you don’t need a fortune to play.
Returning to the painting, whereas typically, he would focus on the worst and rawest of emotions, we see bright color and happiness within a lively social occasion. This lighter mood and lively painting could be explained by the fact that the artist didn’t embrace the grim perspective on the world that would define his latter pictures.
Munch created a series of paintings from his experiences at the roulette tables, capturing the tense ambiance where the outcomes of loss or victory could be dire. Simultaneously, he was exploring the stylistic techniques of synthetism, inspired by the works of Degas, Gauguin, and Van Gogh, integrating their approaches into his unique expressions.
Was He a Passionate Gambler?
While nobody can say for sure that Munch was heavily gambling, it goes without saying that he spent quite a lot of time inside the Monte Carlo casino. His diaries reveal a keen interest in these gambling events, particularly drawn to the intense emotional swings inherent in the game of Roulette, where fortunes could be made or obliterated instantly. Munch might be considered an observer of human nature, absorbing and reflecting on the expressions and behaviors of those engrossed in the game’s stakes.
Also, the choice of casinos as a setting might seem atypical for an artist, as many artists are known for their social consciousness, often empathizing with the plight of the less fortunate. Yet, Munch opted to immerse himself among some of the wealthiest and most influential figures in Western Europe, diverging from the more conventional paths of his contemporaries.
Final Thoughts
While “At The Roulette Table in Monte Carlo” may not be Munch’s most famous painting, it certainly catches the eye. Just like the Dogs Playing Poker series by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, this artwork transposes the thrill and fun of casino games into everyday life.
Caravaggio is another famous painter who adopted the game of chance as a theme in his work. The Cardsharps is a painting depicting two men playing cards. It is not exactly a casino atmosphere, but card games are very popular in casinos around the globe.