Renée Sturbelle

Playing cards designed by Renée Sturbelle, Belgium

Original artistic playing cards with abstract designs by Renée Sturbelle, first published by Brepols S.A., Turnhout, 1947, possibly reprinted by van Genechten in c.1960. The designs are hand-drawn in ink, coloured red, blue and black, and inspired by a sort of simplified cubism. The Jacks are drummers or archers; the Queens are harpists or holding glasses; the Kings are swordsmen or statesmen. 52 cards + Joker. There is not much information available about the artist Renée Sturbelle, who is believed to have been born in Belgium.

Above: non-standard fantasy playing cards designed by Renée Sturbelle, produced by Brepols S.A., Turnhout, 1947. 56mm x 89mm. The artwork appears inspired by Cubism, in which objects are analyzed, broken up and reassembled in an abstracted form. Images courtesy Barney Townshend.