“Bergmannskarte”, Leipzig, c.1816

German-suited, single-ended “Bergmannskarte” manufactured by Industrie Comptoir, Leipzig (Germany), about 1816. Etching, stencil coloured, 36 cards.

As early as the sixteenth century German playing cards evolved so that miniature burlesque scenes decorated the lower half of each card. Packs with miniature illustrations or vignettes on the numeral cards were now being produced covering all types of subject, from glorifying military achievements or political propaganda to idyllic rural scenes, animals or folklore. At the same time, many packs illustrate the fashions of the day, buildings, royalty, heraldry or whatever the artist fancies.

See also:   Cartomancy Deck, c.1818.

Above: “Bergmannskarte” manufactured by Industrie Comptoir, Leipzig, about 1816. Etching, stencil coloured, 36 cards.   Images from the collection of Klaus-Jürgen Schultz (http://spielkarten-sammlung.de).