Next Move

A wooden cornice at the top extends the architecture of this piece. The painting shows three arches with a golden haze and, below, a large chessboard with two pawns facing each other. The title would suggest it is late in the game, but the line of chess pieces in the band below suggests it is possible the game is just being set up.

Whether decorative or symbolic, the band reinforces the idea that the entire cast is present, even if only two pieces have stepped forward. The smallest piece carries the greatest potential, and the next move has yet to be chosen.

Pawns may be modest, but they are the first to move, the ones that test the field and define the shape of what follows. Given the right path, they can cross the board, transform, and even win.