Card-players

Two elegantly attired gentlemen are waiting for the couple to take their turn. The man ‘shows his hand’ to the woman. In the 17th century, gambling was considered a sign of greed or avarice, one of the seven cardinal sins. The inscription cautions that gaming, women and wine will soon lead to an inglorious end. Even the dog seems to sniff disaster.

Card-players

Two elegantly attired gentlemen are waiting for the couple to take their turn. The man ‘shows his hand’ to the woman. In the 17th century, gambling was considered a sign of greed or avarice, one of the seven cardinal sins. The inscription cautions that gaming, women and wine will soon lead to an inglorious end. Even the dog seems to sniff disaster.