Tarot Microscopique, B. Dondorf, c.1870

French-suited tarot cards manufactured by B. Dondorf (1833-1933), Frankfurt am Main, c.1870 : clubs depict Germany, Spades Russia, Hearts represent France and Diamonds depict England. For example, the first ace in the top row (hearts) depicts the Louvre and Versailles; the first cavalier in the second row (diamonds) is titled "Marlborough", whilst the Jack of diamonds (holding an open book) is titled "Shakespeare", and so on. The musical harlequin (top left) is "L'Excuse" (The Fool).

Above: uncut sheet of "Tarot Microscopique" by B. Dondorf, c.1870. Lithographic printing from fine engravings, uncoloured. The complete deck contained 78 cards. From the collection of Juan José Ruiz †.   Image courtesy Juan José Ruiz (jr) email: juanchiomdnew@hotmail.com