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Chess set
Public domain

Chess set

anonymous · c. 1550 · softwood; boxwood (hardwood)

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

The black king in this chess set looks like Emperor Charles V. He wears the chain of the Order of the Golden Fleece and is shown on horseback, trampling a dragon, just as the emperor conquered his enemies. The bishops are knights on horseback, the rooks are jeering fools with monkeys, and the pawns resemble pikemen or regular soldiers.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description
Subjects
chess setJoseph Désiré de Lupusrider, horsemanmonkeys, apesking
Credit lineChess set. c. 1550. anonymous. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.
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