Gaming Studies Research Center-Gaming Art Gallery

Gambling and art go together. Maybe they are not as inextricably linked as chocolate and peanut butter, but there is a definite synergy here.

Many representations of gaming in art have accrued to the Gaming Studies Collection in recent years. To display much of this work to the public on a regular basis is impossible because of space constraints, but thanks to the magic of the internet, digital versions of these masterpieces can be made available for your viewing pleasure.

If you would like to see something that isn't here or you would like to share your feelings about gambling and art, email GSRC coordinator Dave Schwartz.

general gaming art postcards lithographs

All photos are the property of UNLV Special Collections and may not be reproduced without the express written consent of UNLV.

The art of gaming
A Friend in Need C. M. Coolidge, c. 1870	A Friendly Game of Blackjack Crosby DeMoss, c. 1960?	Roulette is an Exciting Game Crosby DeMoss, c 1960?
Snake Eyes Bill Willard, c. 1997	"CRAPS" as you like it unknown painter, c. 1910?	The Navaho Gamblers E.A. Burbank, c. 1902
The Games Room in Homburg Henry James Pidding, 1860	More C. M. Coolidge from art.com	Art Sarnoff paintings at art.com
Snake Eyes Linda Barnett, c.2000	More gambling art from Linda Barnett	Doges-and They're Playing Whist!" Courtesy Museum of Depressionist Art

The Art of Kristina Pardue
			For more from Kristina's Pardue's series The Gambler, check this page.
			Kristina Pardue mainpage
Cardinell-Vincent postcard series
This series of postcards, made in 1910, depicts poker hands through a series of visual puns. It may take a few viewings to "get" the cards' meanings, though it is not necessarily worth the effort. The fact that this series exists, though, speaks to the growing popularity of poker in the early 20th century. It is possible that the corpulent butcher/king was inspired by then-President Howard Taft, the largest man to hold that office yet.
Cold Feet?	Open Straight?	A Royal Flush...	Three of a Kind

A Gambler's Life: 19th century lithographs
This very rare series of lithographs was published by the Dickinson Brothers of 114 New Bond Street, London, England depicts the life of a British gambler in the middle of the 19th century. As you can see, it wasn't very promising. In sum, this series should be considered as the mid-19th century equivalent to Jerry Springer's Trailer Cam--the viewer gets to see an unfortunate wretch's descent into depravity.
Developing....	Playing	The Gambling Cellar
Raising the Wind	The Sporting House	Fres' Cati's
Quarrel and Insult	The Duel	The Discarded Son
The Burglars	Arrested Suicide	The Madhouse

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This page last updated Friday, 14-Jan-2005 15:14:10 PST