Caxton / Sixth Pawn
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Caxton / Sixth Pawn
THE SIXTH PAWN - a hostler
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 625892
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10069859
1474 Caxton Chess Hospitality Keys Pawn Sixth Games
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Sixth Pawn: A Hostler by William Caxton, c. 1474, is an intriguing and enigmatic image from the annals of chess history, captured in this beautiful print from Mary Evans Picture Library. The scene depicts a hostler, or innkeeper, seated at a table in a dimly lit tavern, intently focused on the chessboard before him. The fifth and sixth pawns are poised on the edge of the board, ready to be moved, while the other pieces are arranged in a strategic formation. The historical significance of this image lies in its association with William Caxton, the first English printer. Caxton is believed to have introduced chess to England through the publication of the game's first printed rulebook, the "Game and Playe of the Chesse," in 1474. This print, which is thought to be a representation of a woodcut from the rulebook, provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of chess in medieval England. The image also speaks to the broader themes of hospitality and the role of the innkeeper in medieval society. The hostler's welcoming presence and the warm, inviting atmosphere of the tavern would have provided travelers with a much-needed respite from the rigors of the road. The game of chess, with its strategic complexities and intellectual challenges, would have been a popular pastime for weary travelers seeking entertainment and companionship. The keys hanging on the wall behind the hostler serve as a reminder of the practical functions of the inn, where travelers could securely store their belongings while they rested and played. The image of the hostler and the chessboard thus encapsulates the dual role of the inn as a place of refuge and a hub of social activity, where the simple pleasures of food, drink, and games brought people together in a shared experience of community and camaraderie.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
