Georges de la Tour’s ‘Card Sharp’

Card Sharp with the Ace of Diamonds, by Georges de la Tour, 1634

An Ekphrastic Story by JKForward

The maid brings wine to the lady, speaking brightly as she does so of its refreshing taste and distinguished vintage, and the little finger of her right hand taps a signal on the lady’s outstretched hand. Without turning her head, the maid’s eyes slide sideways and the lady sees and knows that her own ploy, tucked up into a voluminous velvet sleeve, may not succeed.

All unaware, the boy’s eyes twinkle excitedly at his cards; not so the eyes of the card sharp, flat and calculating, desperate to win back his hat.