Brilliant
Painted Gameboard
.....Published in
"The Art of the Game" 

American, likely New York State or the Mid-Atlantic, circa late 19th century.

A red applied frame encloses a striking checkers/chess board, painted with alternating squares of deep black and golden gilt (likely bronze powder) creating a rich visual contrast. The border is exquisitely detailed with stylized, compass-drawn sunbursts and foliate flourishes in eight colors. A gloss varnish intensifies the palette and gives the surface a luminous quality, especially radiant under sun or art light.

The reverse features a relatively simple yet boldly rendered Parcheesi game. Fine overall condition, with unobtrusive abrasions visible in the second row of squares. Measures approximately 23 inches square.

Published in The Art of the Game by Chambers, from the Collection of Selby Shaver, plates 181 and 182. Provenance: Directly from Debra Shaver.