Jacob Holmblad c.1830
An amazing difference can be seen between the early and the later Jacob Holmblad packs, covering a time span of only 17 years.
An amazing difference can be seen between the early and the later Jacob Holmblad packs, covering a time span of only 17 years. The earlier production was by stencil-coloured woodcut prints, but in around 1830 he adopted the newer techniques of lithography. Over the years Jacob Holmblad developed considerable workmanship and his playing cards became a success: already in 1823 he was advertising playing cards in ‘extra fine’ and ‘fine’ qualities. His advertisements also included Animal Tarots →
Above: double-ended playing cards by Jacob Holmblad, later period, c.1830. The red over-stamp on the A♥ refers to Jacob Holmblad's royal licence to print playing-cards which had been granted in 1820. The Danish playing-card tax stamp has three lions and a crown. The J♣ has the manufacturer's name.
After Jacob Holmblad's death in 1837, playing-card production was continued by his son Lauritz Peter Holmblad (1815-1890) see more →
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.
See earlier Jacob Holmblad decks →
By Simon Wintle
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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