Incredulous that he has lost this particular game, temptation takes one last look at his opponent before accepting defeat.  The rich costumes and the chessboard remind us of the theme; the devil and the angel battling for our souls – the age old struggle in all of us.  The game match they are playing is based on the spectacular “Game of the Century”, where a 13-year old Bobby Fischer defeated the formidable, master chess champion Donald Byrne.  Much like Byrne, the devil is surprised by his ‘weaker’ opponent’s winning move.  In another painting, however, the tables are turned.  The game depicted in that piece is based on another world renowned match between Garry Kasparov and World Champion Anatoly Karpov – Karpov’s victory was imminent with a score of 5-0.  No one expected Kasparov’s perseverance; on the 32nd game he beat Karpov; after several more draws, Kasparov won 2 more games before the match was controversially called off.  Like the depicted real life chess plays, so is life.  The gleeful and pleased jester in both paintings, is bemused and entertained; the comedy of life. 

Focusing on the theme of internal struggle and one’s place in the world, the artist paints a portrait of the innocence of youth.  The sleeping preteen, naive to the temptations looming in the coming years, gently rests her head on a deep golden pillow with light traces of a crown.  A large, lion protectively watches over her, symbolizing the strength and morals of her upbringing; the faith that will pull her through the adversities of life.  Nearby in the shadows next to a lighted candle is the red coat of the 'devil'  and the green curtain seen in the other paintings.  Pandora's Box patiently awaits the preteen's waking moment.

What is the fate of the souls this butler carries?  He merely delivers, having no influence on the outcome of the souls, represented by the candles, and their final destination.