Billiards – Played Out

A humorous billiards subject with two men standing behind a billiards table, where crossed cues and a several balls lie after a game. The man at left (wearing a top hat) pulls out his empty pockets, thereby showing that he has no more money. The bald man at right, who has extended his left palm in expectation of payment, angrily points his cue to the scoreboard (upper right). A third man (dressed in a brown hat and light green suit) exits via a door at the far left background.

Nathaniel Currier, whose successful New York-based lithography firm began in 1835, produced thousands of prints in various sizes that together create a vivid panorama of mid-to-late nineteenth century American life and its history. People eagerly acquired such lithographs featuring picturesque scenery, rural and city views, ships, railroads, portraits, hunting and fishing scenes, domestic life and numerous other subjects, as an inexpensive way to decorate their homes or business establishments. As the firm expanded, Nathaniel included his younger brother Charles in the business. In 1857, James Merritt Ives (the firm's accountant since 1852 and Charles's brother-in-law) was made a business partner; subsequently renamed Currier & Ives, the firm continued until 1907.