Gambler Collection
"On Pleasure Bent, On Pleasure Broke: The Gambler's Tale" Step into the smoky saloon of Morenci
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"On Pleasure Bent, On Pleasure Broke: The Gambler's Tale" Step into the smoky saloon of Morenci, Arizona Territory in 1895 and witness a gambler engrossed in a game of Faro. Lance Mattinson captures this moment with his black and white photograph, transporting us to an era where risk and excitement ruled. But gambling is not a modern invention; it has been part of human history for centuries. In 1792, an intriguing hand-colored engraving titled "A Sphere projecting against a Plane" hints at the timeless allure of games of chance. Artists like Paul Cezanne also found inspiration in the world of gamblers. His masterpiece "Card Player" from 1892 showcases the intense concentration and skill required to navigate these high-stakes games. However, not all gamblers play fair. Georges de La Tour's painting "The Cheat, " created in 1625, exposes the darker side of gambling – deceit and manipulation lurking beneath the surface. As we delve deeper into this captivating world, we discover that even historic events intertwine with gambling tales. The White Star Line's RMS Titanic carried its share of first-class passengers seeking pleasure or fortune on that fateful voyage. Yet amidst life's uncertainties, death itself seems entangled with gambling imagery. A battle between Death and a black Demon over a gambler symbolizes how our choices can lead us down treacherous paths if we succumb to temptation blindly. Intriguingly enough, ancient divination tools like Tarot cards have long depicted themes related to fate and fortune. The Wheel Of Fortune card reminds us that luck can change swiftly – one moment you're riding high on success; the next brings unexpected losses. Speaking of wheels turning fortunes around, another Tarot card called "La Roue de Fortune (Wheel of Fortune)" from the early 18th century adds yet another layer to the gambler's story.