bs-oc- Charles Santore- Busch Charles Santore (1935-)

The composition presents a nocturnal scene centered around a gambling table. Four anthropomorphic animals – a lion, a turkey, a rabbit, and what appears to be a fox – are engaged in a card game within a dimly lit room. A single lamp casts a concentrated pool of light onto the tabletop, highlighting the cards and the participants’ expressions while leaving the surrounding space shrouded in shadow.
The lion, positioned on the left side, wears a green visor, suggesting an attempt at concealment or perhaps a deliberate air of nonchalance. He holds several cards close to his chest, his gaze fixed downwards with an expression that could be interpreted as concentration or suspicion. The turkey, centrally located, displays a more animated demeanor; its eyes are wide and alert, and it clutches a card bearing a recognizable logo. To the right, the rabbit appears agitated, puffing on a pipe while glancing at another player’s hand. Finally, the fox leans forward with an almost predatory intensity, his gaze fixed on the cards in play.
The arrangement of playing cards scattered across the table suggests a moment of high tension or strategic maneuvering within the game. The presence of branded items – specifically, those bearing a recognizable logo – introduces a layer of commercialism and potentially satire into the scene.
Beyond the immediate depiction of a card game, the painting evokes themes of risk-taking, deception, and social interaction. The animal characters, imbued with human characteristics, allow for an exploration of universal behaviors within a fantastical setting. The use of anthropomorphism invites viewers to consider parallels between the animals’ actions and those of humans in similar situations – a commentary on societal rituals and the pursuit of fortune or advantage. The overall effect is one of playful intrigue, blending elements of fantasy, humor, and subtle social critique.