Caxton / Queens Pawn
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Caxton / Queens Pawn
PAWN - the pawn that stands before the Queen represents a physician and apothecary
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 625893
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10069860
1474 Apothecary Caxton Chess Ointments Pawn Physician Represents Stands Games
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image from the Mary Evans Picture Library depicts an intriguing scene from the past, featuring the renowned English printer William Caxton (circa 1422-1491) engaged in a game of chess with an unidentified companion. The year is 1474, and Caxton, known as the "Father of English Printing," has just returned from his travels in the Low Countries, where he learned the art of printing. In this fascinating tableau, Caxton's pawn, which stands before the Queen, takes on an unusual role. Instead of the traditional meaning of a pawn in chess, this one represents a physician and apothecary. Caxton, being an avid patron of learning, would have been well-versed in various fields, including medicine. The presence of the apothecary's bag at his feet further emphasizes this connection. The Queen's Pawn series, a popular chess opening, might have inspired this image. In this opening, the Queen's Pawn is the first piece to move, symbolizing the strategic importance of the Queen and the physician's role in maintaining the health and wellbeing of the kingdom. The game of chess, a favorite pastime of the intellectual elite during the Middle Ages, served as a metaphor for the strategic and tactical challenges faced in life. Caxton's passion for learning and his pioneering role in the world of printing made him an influential figure in the intellectual and cultural landscape of his time. This evocative print not only showcases the historical significance of Caxton and his contributions to the world of printing but also highlights the interconnectedness of various disciplines during the Middle Ages. The intriguing juxtaposition of the game of chess and the roles of Caxton and the physician-apothecary adds depth to our understanding of this fascinating period in history.
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