Mesmaekers Spanish Pack, c.1875
Mesmaekers Spanish Pack for export to Spanish colonies and South American countries, c.1875
Since the 1840s & 50s Spanish-suited playing cards had been exported by leading European manufacturers to agents and wholesalers in Montevideo, Buenos Aires or Caracas, and in some cases the designs had an influence on local production.
Above: Spanish-suited Catalan-style playing cards made by Mesmaekers, Belgium, woodblock and stencil style, c.1875. 48 cards. The reverse has a purple marbled effect.
In 1875 the lithographic stone for Mesmaekers' Spanish cards was simply redesigned from a woodcut, despite the differences in technique and craftsmanship required for each method.
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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