Poker Game Cross Stitch Pattern

Description

Poker Game cross stitch pattern is a replica of the famous kitsch painting by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge. As with many great artists, Coolidge’s paintings were ridiculed by his contemporaries but over the years his dogs playing poker have become pop culture icons. In fact the original Poker Game fetched a slick USD$658,000 at a 2015 auction.

The Project

Poker Game is a large, full coverage cross stitch and the finished piece measures 72.6 x 60.2cm when stitched on 14 count Aida cloth (400 x 332 stitches). We’ve rated this project ChallengingPLUS as there is a lot of confetti and thread changes. If you’re up for the challenge we think you’ll adore how this project retains the textures, Kitsch appeal, and funny expressions on the dog’s faces.

You’ll also find an interpretation of the artist’s insignia, text on the whiskey bottle, cigar ash and faded upholstery. It’s going to look amazing in the den, bar or games room.

The Players

Here’s a bit more about the history of the artwork behind our Poker Game cross stitch pattern:

It’s not commonly known, but Dogs Playing Poker by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge refers to not just one painting, but 18 of them! The series includes the artist’s original ‘Poker Game’ (1894) painting, along with 16 other oil paintings commissioned in 1903 by Brown & Bigelow to advertise cigars, and an additional 1910 painting. All eighteen of these paintings feature comical, humanized dogs; however, only eleven of the paintings actually depict poker-faced pups playing cards around a table.

My Modern Met

The Artist

Cassius Marcellus Coolidge lived from 1834 to 1934 and is recognised mostly for his infamous Dogs Play Poker paintings. The paintings in the series are so much fun (plus it’s always nice to get the menfolk interested in cross stitch) we’re determined to chart all 16. You can check them out in-store.

The Dogs

Keen for more dogs playing poker? Check out these companion charts inspired by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge’s original artwork. It might take a few months before we have the whole set available.

Additional information