Jacob Holmblad, 1820s
The Q♥ has a butterfly net in which she has caught four hearts. Many of Holmblad's designs were replaced or changed in different editions, but this design was not used again.
Jacob Holmblad produced various grades of fine and extra fine playing cards and tarots in his factory in Copenhagen, for sale at various prices. In this edition the designs are moving away from the traditional French style towards a Danish pattern. The Q♥ has a butterfly net in her hand in which she has caught four hearts. Many of Holmblad's designs were re-drawn, replaced or changed in different editions, but this particular card was not used again by Jacob Holmblad or his son. Similarly the Q♦, dressed for winter, was discarded. However, other figures (Q♣, J♠) re-appear in later, more refined versions by Lauritz P. Holmblad. The cards shown here appear to be produced in a lower grade of printing and quality which would have been sold at a lower price.
Above: playing cards made by Jacob Holmblad, Copenhagen, 1820s.
REFERENCES
Hinrup, Hans J.: The Holmblad Playing Card Patterns, in "The Playing-Card" vol.33 no.4, IPCS London, Apr-June 2005.
Jensen, K. Frank: French suited tarot packs in Denmark and the Jacob Holmblad Animal tarot, in "The Playing-Card" vol.36 no.3, IPCS London, Apr-June 2008. [download here].
All images courtesy K. Frank Jensen.
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996 • Contact
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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