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Left: Jack of coins by an unknown maker, early XV century. Methods of Production
More expensive cards were produced from engravings in copper using the skills of the goldsmith and engraver. These cards have greater detail and a more naturalistic use of line. Such packs were given as wedding gifts, bequeathed as heirlooms, and regarded as valuable commodities. They were often produced for collectors. Luxury hand-painted packs were only available to a few, who enjoyed them privately or with select company. The printed or mechanically-produced versions, cruder in design and execution, were viewed simultaneously by larger audiences but were prone to deteriorate more rapidly. Left: ober of lions engraved by the Master of the Playing Cards, c.1450-60. See also The South German Engraver and Mantegna Tarocchi. |
