The painting you're referring to is "Checkmate" by Friedrich Moritz August Retzsch, created in 1831. It depicts a chess game between a man and the devil, symbolizing the battle for the man's soul. The narrative suggests that a chess master observed the painting and realized the man's king had one more move, contradicting the apparent checkmate.
This story has been widely circulated, often in sermons and motivational talks, to illustrate themes of hope and perseverance. However, its authenticity is questionable. The tale likely originated from an 1888 anecdote involving chess master Paul Morphy, who reportedly analyzed the painting and found a winning move for the man. Subsequent investigations have cast doubt on this account, suggesting it may be more legend than fact.
In summary, while the "one more move" story associated with Retzsch's "Checkmate" painting is compelling, it lacks verifiable evidence and is generally considered apocryphal.
God talks to us in many ways and when man doesn't quite get it, he writes it off as foo foo. There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that this story is true...my intuition tells me so and that is the language of God we all have available to us.
https://chesslovin.com/checkmate-painting/#Checkmate-painting-position
https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/game-of-life-board-position-and-paul-morphy-1
Hmmm. I asked the AI and
The painting you're referring to is "Checkmate" by Friedrich Moritz August Retzsch, created in 1831. It depicts a chess game between a man and the devil, symbolizing the battle for the man's soul. The narrative suggests that a chess master observed the painting and realized the man's king had one more move, contradicting the apparent checkmate.
This story has been widely circulated, often in sermons and motivational talks, to illustrate themes of hope and perseverance. However, its authenticity is questionable. The tale likely originated from an 1888 anecdote involving chess master Paul Morphy, who reportedly analyzed the painting and found a winning move for the man. Subsequent investigations have cast doubt on this account, suggesting it may be more legend than fact.
In summary, while the "one more move" story associated with Retzsch's "Checkmate" painting is compelling, it lacks verifiable evidence and is generally considered apocryphal.
God talks to us in many ways and when man doesn't quite get it, he writes it off as foo foo. There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that this story is true...my intuition tells me so and that is the language of God we all have available to us.