‘A Break in the Game’ by Robert Alexander Hillingford (1825-1904). A 19^th century oil on canvas depicting a turning point in the history of cue sports such as billiards and snooker when female players first began to use a cue instead of a mace to strike the ball. The painting hangs in a newly commissioned, bespoke gold metal leaf frame.

As with all of the original antique oil paintings we sell it is offered in the very finest condition it can be for its age, having just been professionally cleaned and re-varnished. Clients should also note that fully insured, tracked and signed for international shipping is complimentary.

As portrayed in the painting, it wasn’t until the 18^th century that women began using a cue. Even in the late 19^th century women playing billiards and snooker were not encouraged to use a cue. Instead, they were expected to push the cue ball with the wide, blunt end of the mace because male players feared they might otherwise damage the green baize!

Robert Alexander Hillingford was a highly successful Victorian painter of historical and literary scenes. Between 1864 and 1902 Hillingford exhibited 29 works at the Royal Academy, and numerous others the British Institution, and the Royal Society of British Artists in London.

Dimensions: (framed) 50cm x 60cm (19¾” x 23½”)

Dimensions: (canvas only) 36cm x 47cm (14¼” x 18½”)

Medium: Oil on canvas.

Provenance: Private UK collection.

Presentation: Fine quality gilt metal leaf frame. All of the new frames we commission are especially made for us to order by one of the UK’s top period frame makers.

Condition: Excellent. Newly professionally cleaned, restored and re-varnished. Ready to hang.