Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Jan Olis died in 1676; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1746.
In context
Gentlemen Playing Backgammon — Jan Olis
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 66 at death.
Shaded: the lifetime of Jan Olis (1610–1676) every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1637 Main working years: 1637–1641 Late works: from 1641
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
This record has no exact year on file — using the artist's lifetime and the work's style, what decade would you guess?
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: artsdot.com/en/art/similar/jan-olis-gentlemen-playing-backgammon-9CWGV9-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Phthalo Green #2a1c0b
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 24 works by this artist, of which 3 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in Gorinchem, Netherlands
Jan Olis (1610-1676) stands as a captivating figure within the vibrant tapestry of the Dutch Golden Age, a period renowned for its artistic flourishing and societal dynamism. Born in Gorinchem, a bustling center of trade and culture, Olis’s life unfolded across multiple roles – painter, teacher, wine seller, councilman, and ultimately, mayor – reflecting the multifaceted nature of 17th-century Dutch society. His legacy primarily resides in his intricate engravings and detailed scenes depicting moments of convivial gathering, offering a rare glimpse into the pleasures and social customs of his time. While not as widely celebrated as some of his contemporaries like Rembrandt or Vermeer, Olis’s work possesses a unique charm and realism that continues to resonate with viewers today.
Olis's early years are shrouded in a degree of historical ambiguity, though we know he was born in Gorinchem in 1610. He quickly established himself within the artistic community by becoming a member of the Dordrecht Guild of St. Luke in 1632 – a crucial step for any aspiring artist seeking recognition and professional standing. This guild provided training, regulated quality, and facilitated sales, offering a vital pathway to success. Interestingly, records reveal that during the years 1632-1643, Olis simultaneously held positions as both a wine seller and a teacher within the guild, suggesting a pragmatic approach to supporting his artistic endeavors while also contributing to the economic life of his community. This dual role provides insight into the diverse occupations prevalent in Dutch towns during this era. The possibility that he is the same individual as Jan Olofsen, who joined the Confrerie Pictura in The Hague in 1643 – a prestigious society of artists dedicated to artistic innovation and social gatherings – further solidifies his position within the artistic circles of the time.
Around 1651, Olis relocated to Heusden, a town where he pursued various civic roles, including positions on the council. This move marked a significant shift in his life, transitioning him from primarily an artist to a participant in local governance. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming mayor of Heusden in 1657 – a testament to his respected standing within the community. Even during this period of civic leadership, Olis continued to practice as an artist, demonstrating a remarkable ability to balance professional and public responsibilities. His tenure as tax collector in 1670 highlights the breadth of his involvement in the town’s affairs.
Olis's artistic output is characterized by meticulous detail, vibrant colors, and a keen eye for capturing human interaction. His paintings frequently depict scenes of domestic life, particularly those centered around convivial gatherings – what are often referred to as “merry companies.” These works offer a fascinating window into the social customs of 17th-century Holland, showcasing individuals enjoying wine, music, and conversation in intimate settings. A prime example is "An Interior with Peasants," a dramatic oil painting that vividly portrays a group of men smoking and drinking by a fireplace – a scene brimming with both merriment and subtle symbolism. Another notable work is “Portrait of a Young Man,” a Baroque masterpiece featuring a young man adorned with a beret, rendered in rich oils with masterful use of chiaroscuro (the dramatic contrast between light and dark). These paintings exemplify Olis’s ability to capture not just physical likeness but also the spirit and character of his subjects.
Jan Olis's influence is primarily felt through his engravings, which were widely circulated and enjoyed by a broad audience. His work served as an important model for other artists, particularly Mathieu Lenain, who was heavily influenced by Olis’s style and subject matter. Olis’s depictions of “merry companies” – gatherings of friends and acquaintances enjoying themselves – became a popular genre during the Dutch Golden Age, reflecting a cultural emphasis on social connection and pleasure. While he may not be as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, Jan Olis remains a significant figure in Dutch art history, offering valuable insights into the social and artistic landscape of the 17th century. His detailed scenes continue to captivate viewers with their realism, charm, and evocative portrayal of everyday life. His work is now preserved at the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp, providing a lasting testament to his skill and artistry.
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Look closely
Gentlemen Playing Backgammon — Jan Olis
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
The X-Ray view of "Gentlemen Playing Backgammon" by Jan Olis is on the artwork's X-Ray page: an interactive examination of the image through eleven optical layers.
The colors of "Gentlemen Playing Backgammon" show a dark luminance.
Regarding copyright, "Gentlemen Playing Backgammon" is in the public domain - its copyright has expired.