Barend C Le jeu de quilles Barend Cornelis Koekkoek (1803-1862)

The drawing presents a scene of communal recreation unfolding within a rural setting. A group of figures dominates the central space, engaged in what appears to be a game involving pins and projectiles – likely skittles or bowls. The activity is animated; individuals are shown both actively participating and observing with varying degrees of engagement.
To the left, a man on horseback occupies a prominent position, his posture suggesting a detached observation of the proceedings. A woman stands nearby, her gaze directed towards him, creating an implied connection between these two figures and the larger group. The architecture flanking this scene is rendered in considerable detail; a dilapidated building with exposed brickwork and crumbling rooflines establishes a sense of age and perhaps even neglect. This structure contrasts sharply with the lively activity occurring before it.
The background features a distant tower, its presence suggesting a nearby town or settlement. A dense cluster of trees occupies the right side of the composition, partially obscuring the view and creating depth within the scene. The artist’s use of hatching and cross-hatching creates tonal variation and texture, lending a sense of immediacy to the depiction.
Subtleties in the arrangement suggest potential social commentary. The man on horseback, positioned slightly apart from the group, might represent a figure of authority or privilege observing the leisure activities of others. The dilapidated building could symbolize the passage of time and the decline of traditional structures. The overall impression is one of a snapshot of rural life – a moment captured that blends recreation, social interaction, and the quiet presence of history.