“The Boys in the Back Room,” created in 1934 by Archibald Motley with oil on canvas, exemplifies the Art Deco movement. This genre painting captures a moment of leisure and social interaction among a group of men engaged in a card game.
The artwork portrays a scene wherein several men are engrossed in a game of cards around a white-clothed table. The atmosphere of camaraderie is palpable as the men, dressed in suits and hats, focus intently on their hands. In the background, one man stands observing the game, while another, dressed in a suit, is getting served a drink by a server in a white apron. The room is adorned with a small framed picture on the wall, and the subtle interplay of light enhances the setting’s mood. The composition effectively captures a slice of everyday life, rendered in Motley’s distinctive style that combines vibrant colors with refined form.
