04/15/2025
“Every now and then one paints a picture that seems to have opened a door and serves as a stepping stone to other things.”
- Pablo Picasso
This painting was painted by Friedrich Moritz August Retzsch in 1799, famously known as “Checkmate” (originally titled Die Schachspieler “The Chess Players”).
The painting is that of Satan and Man whose battle depends on thy who prospers. It was said the devil had the conquering move which put man in checkmate. However, it is believed that American chess champion, Paul Morphy has debunked this checkmate. Is it a trick on the eyes or can you too see the last move? 😏