Playing cards have been with us since the 14th century, when they first became a part of popular culture, perhaps seen as a miniature model of the universe. Over the centuries packs of cards, in all shapes and sizes, have been used for games, gambling, education, conjuring, advertising, fortune telling, political messages or the portrayal of national or ethnic identity. Their popularity is undoubtedy due to the imaginative artwork and graphic design which is sometimes overlooked, and the “then & now” of how things have changed.
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Romance Español
• August 13, 2017 at 03:46pm“Romance Español” designed by Carlos Sáenz de Tejada and published by Heraclio Fournier in various editions since 1951. Read more →
Baraja “Neoclásica”, Madrid, 1810
• August 13, 2017 at 10:07amBaraja “Neoclásica” engraved by José Martínez de Castro, first published by Clemente Roxas, Madrid, 1810. Read more →
Baraja Mitológica
• August 12, 2017 at 12:50pm“Baraja Mitológica” was first published in Madrid in c.1815 by Josef Monjardín from engravings by José Martínez de Castro. Read more →
Antike Götter
• August 11, 2017 at 08:30pm“Antike Götter” - facsimile of antique playing cards originally manufactured by C. A. Müller, Berlin, 1830. Read more →
Europe
• August 08, 2017 at 06:08pm“Europe” designed by Teodoro N. Miciano and printed by Heraclio Fournier in 1962, portraying XIV century European fashions. Read more →
Altenburger Bauerntrachten
• August 07, 2017 at 08:26pm“Altenburger Bauerntrachten” commemorating 150 years of playing cards from Altenburg, designed by Andreas Wachter, 1982 Read more →
African Art
• August 06, 2017 at 09:16pm“African Art” Playing cards by John J. Beckvermit III, 1994 Read more →
Little Demons
• August 05, 2017 at 09:35pm“Little Demons” playing cards illustrated by Wayne Anderson, c.1970 Read more →
Schwäbisch Hall
• August 05, 2017 at 01:28pmSchwäbisch Hall building society publicity deck designed by Alex Kardas, c.1975. Read more →
Bayer
• August 03, 2017 at 07:18pmHumorous pharmaceutical deck made by Antoine van Genechten for Bayer, c.1963. Read more →
Editor’s Picks
Playing cards have enormous educational value, with a long history and many diverse types and graphical styles from around the world... View More →
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