Satirical Playing Cards by Peter Flötner, Nuremberg, c.1545
Seven cards from a satirical pack produced by Peter Flötner of Nuremberg, c.1545. The suit symbols are acorns, leaves, bells and hearts. They have been moved to the upper half of the cards so that the bottom of each card is free for illustration.
Although Nuremberg had no university, towards the end of the 15th century the city became a major centre of humanism in Germany, as well as a centre of trade and skilled craftsmanship. The influence of classical forms and humanism was also mirrored by anti-classical tendencies, so that these playing cards can be seen as a parody or burlesque, where the vulgar everyday activities of common folk (e.g. toilet humour and irreverence) is juxtaposed to bourgeois pretentiousness. Remember also how the art of printing made it possible for the long-sealed fountain of ineffable wisdom, human and divine art to be brought to the common people...