This is the third in a series of four paintings - 'Morning', 'Midday', 'Afternoon' and 'Evening' - known also as Les Heures du Jour (The Hours of the Day).
Two women watch a man and a woman playing backgammon. Gaming was a popular pursuit among the leisured classes of 18th-century France.
Key facts
Artist
Artist dates
1690 - 1743
Full title
The Four Times of Day: Afternoon
Group
Date made
1739-41
Medium and support
Oil on copper
Dimensions
28.8 x 36.7 cm
Acquisition credit
Bequeathed by Sir Bernard Eckstein, 1948
Inventory number
NG5869
Location in Gallery
Other paintings in the group: The Four Times of Day
