This masterpiece was painted by 19th Century German painter Friedrich Moritz August Retzsch (1779–1857) in 1799 famously known as “Checkmate” (originally titled Die Schachspieler “The Chess Players”).

The painting depicts two chess players: Satan and Man. The game of life and death. If Satan wins the game, he will seize the man’s soul. Evidently, man is defending his soul. If you inspect the painting attentively, the man on the right side looks disconsolate and contemplates his next move as he was given a checkmate. On the opposite side, satan looks arrogantly confident and not even looking at the chessboard, which assures the spectator that he is certain about his triumph over man. Apparently, the dismal glance of the angel in the middle conveys to us that she too is saddened by the man’s defeat. 

For years, it was believed that the man lost the game and Satan took his soul. But one man’s encounter with the painting has altered the entire narrative. Despite different variations of the stories circulating around, one holds slightly more evidence which I’ve endeavored to share with you. 

Paul Morphy was the world’s champion chess player when he was invited by a friend to look at a valuable painting titled, “The Chess Player.” In the painting, Satan was represented as playing chess with a young man, the stake being the young man’s soul.

The game had reached the stage where it was the young man’s move; but he was checkmated. There was no move he could make which would not mean defeat for him and so the strong feature of the picture was the look of utter despair on the young man’s face as he realized that his soul was lost.Morphy, who knew more about chess than the artist, studied the picture for a time, then called for a chessboard and pieces. Placing them in exactly the same position as they were in the painting, he said, “I’ll take the young man’s place and make the move.” Then he made the move which would have set the young man free.

This painting and its intriguing story can resonate with life itself. Firstly, our genuine attempt to protect our sanity against a delirious society, a banal community, or certain people we already know. Speaking boldly, from people who are toxic and have no significant value to us nor to humanity in general. Sometimes, we must safeguard ourselves by saying ‘no’ or indulging in little things that matter to us, or better yet, allowing ourselves to be more creative. Thus, by doing so we create space for ourselves to thrive rather than sacrificing a part of us to those deceitful people. 

Secondly, when hope seems to vanish from our life and when we are convinced that there’s no more move or we cannot possibly pursue greatness by people we know or have never met (especially in today’s world of social media). Remember, there is always a last chance, the last opportunity that could alter the entire course of life; for the better. So laid back and take time to ponder your next move. 

Premium Print of this painting with vintage golden frame can be ordered from my Etsy store  👉  https://fosheartnorway.etsy.com/listing/4363247114