The Identity of the Artist Almanach

The name Almanach carries several variations, appearing in historical records as Joannes Almenak or Kvartopirci II. Traces of his origin lead back to Antwerp, though his presence is most firmly established in Carniola, Slovenia. He operated within this region during the third quarter of the 17th century, specifically between 1667 and 1680. This period of activity places him in the heart of a shifting European landscape, moving between the traditions of the Low Countries and the specific demands of Central European patrons.

A shadow of doubt persists regarding his true persona. Art historians often debate whether Almanach is a pseudonym for the Dutch painter Herman Verelst, or perhaps Harman Verelst. This ambiguity defines much of his biographical footprint. He remains a figure of shifting identities, a painter whose movements through Carniola suggest a life of professional migration. His work exists at the intersection of these possible identities, leaving his exact biography partially obscured by the names he used to navigate the art markets of the 1600s.

Key Works and Notable Paintings

The center of the artist's surviving legacy rests on a pair of closely linked compositions. One of these, The Card Players I, is also known as Cheerful Company at Table. The two works share a thematic bond, capturing a group engaged in a game of cards. The figures sit around a table, their presence rendered with a realism that suggests they may be portraits of specific individuals.

The second major work, The Card Players II, expands this scene. Measuring 147 cm × 285 cm (58 in × 112 in), this oil on canvas depicts a group playing the Italian game of trappola. On the table, a rolled piece of tobacco sits near the players. The composition shows the influence of Caravaggio, particularly in the way the figures interact within the space. The person on the right side of the scene is shown smoking a pipe, a figure that appears to be the same individual found in Cheerful Company at Table. This repetition suggests the artist may have included a self-portrait within the frame.

Technique and Artistic Style

Light and shadow define the compositions of Almanach. The works show a clear influence of Caravaggio, particularly in the way light interacts with the subjects. This connection extends to the broader movement of Caravaggio’s northern followers, whose stylistic choices echo through the artist's approach to genre scenes. The atmosphere is heavy with the tension of the moment, captured through a focused application of oil on canvas.

The figures possess a striking realism. Faces are rendered with such precision that they function as certain portraits of the individuals depicted. In The Card Players II, the subjects are not mere archetypes; they are specific people caught in a moment of intense concentration. This realism extends to the objects on the table, such as the rolled tobacco, which grounds the scene in a tangible, physical reality.

Where to See the Works Today

The physical legacy of Almanach finds its primary home in Ljubljana. The National Gallery of Slovenia holds the most significant pieces of his known output. Visitors seeking to observe his compositions in a museum setting will find his work within this institution's permanent collection.

The gallery's holdings include The Card Players I, also known as Cheerful Company at Table. This work sits alongside its counterpart, The Card Players II. The latter entered the collection of the Narodna galerija on 28 December 1995. These paintings exist together in the Slovenian capital, providing a rare opportunity to see the thematic links between his depictions of social gaming and tobacco use.

• The Card Players I
• The Card Players II