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By Darci Faulkner
In this mixed media painting the artist, Darci Faulkner, conveys her impression of this famous though fictitious poker game featured in the 1965 classic movie "The Cincinnati Kid." This pivotal scene features "The Kid" (Steve McQueen) as he battles "The Man" (Edward G. Robinson) as dozens of interested spectators look on. The painting is set in a fashionable New Orleans hotel in the 1930s. During this period, prior to the public acceptance of the game of poker, private hotel rooms were a favorite haunt of the high stakes gambler.
This memorable poker scene portrays not only the steel nerves of the successful
poker player it also captures the vulnerability of the constant loser as well
as the many idiosyncrasies of the other players. From the constant calculations
and note taking of one player to the profuse sweating and cigar smoking and
chewing of the others, the artist captures the essence of this earthy competition
that has been played out thousands of times before and since.
