Spanish pattern by Eugène Boisse

These Spanish-suited cards were engraved by Albaret of Agen, whose name appears on the Ace of coins. New technologies were facilitating a move away from woodblocks, allowing more intricate designs, in this case somewhat eclectic and embellished. The engraver has also added small indices which was another emerging innovation at that time. His connection to Agen, a city in southwestern France, likely signifies either his place of origin or the location where he worked or was based. The deck was subsequently published by Eugène Boisse of Bordeaux, whose name has been hand-stamped onto the cards (not on the original engravings).

The Bibliothèque nationale and several authors regard the deck as ‘Aluette’, but it is perhaps better described as a blend or "métissage" of the French Catalan and Parisian Spanish patterns, with female or androgynous cavaliers, plumed hats and distinctive details on some numeral cards. The borders have 'pintas' or breaks to differentiate the suits. The lion atop a globe is found on many Spanish decks, and along with "Naypes Refinos" this projects global influence. The Real Fábrica de Madrid, which was the royal playing card manufacturer in Spain, used the term "Naypes Refinos" or "Naypes Finisimos" on their cards, denoting superior quality. The snake on the ace of batons is unusual.

Above: Spanish pattern published by Eugène Boisse, Bordeaux, c.1865. 48 cards, stencil coloured; 8,5 x 5,6 cm. Square corners, small indices, backs with blue dotted decoration. Bibliothèque nationale de France • Jeu d'aluette, Albaret, graveur, à Agen►

The cards may have been intended for foreign markets such as Spain, North Africa or South America. Proofs pulled from the original block do not have Boisse’s name stamped on them. That was added later in the example shown above.

Above: uncoloured proof sheet pulled from the original blocks engraved by Albaret, graveur à Agen.

References

Bibliothèque nationale de France:

• Jeu d'aluette, Albaret, graveur, à Agen►
• feuilles de moulage d'un jeu d'aluette►

d'Allemagne, Henry-René: Les cartes à jouer du XIVe au XXe siècle, tome 2, p.101 Cartes d’Alluettes éditées par Boisse, cartier de Bordeaux, 1839-1860►