Caricatures on Playing Cards
Caricatures on playing cards often feature comical or satirical depictions of people or events, and can provide insight into the cultural and political climate of their time.
Postabank 1
Caricatures of Hungarian politicians on a promotional pack for a commercial bank.
Postabank 3
Caricatures of German personalities on a promotional pack for a Hungarian commercial bank.
Repoker Político
Political caricature playing cards designed by Antonio Olveira, published by the Malaga newspaper “Diario 16” on the occasion of the 1995 local elections.
Royal Pavilion at Brighton
The Royal Pavilion, also known as the Brighton Pavilion, is an Asian-style palace built for King George IV when he was Prince of Wales.
Schwäbisch Hall
Schwäbisch Hall building society publicity deck designed by Alex Kardas, c.1975.
Schwarzer Peter
Schwarzer Peter animal pairs card game produced in Germany, c.1920s.
Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes deck with caricatures by Jeff Decker published by Gemaco Playing Card Co. 1989.
Skat Politisch
Political “Skat Politisch” published by ASS, 1976.
Society Misfitz
Society Misfitz published by C.W Faulkner & Co, c.1904.
Soldaty Udachi
“Soldaty Udachi” (Soldiers of Fortune) Army and Police humour playing cards, Russia, 2001.
Stacked Deck
“Stacked Deck” business caricature playing cards, USA, c. 2003.
The Bush House of Cards
“The Bush House of Cards” with artwork by John G. Doherty, 2004.
The Cooper Union
The Cooper Union caricature playing cards illustrated by Gerry Gersten, United States, c. 1987
The President’s deck
The President’s deck, USA, 1972
Toros: De El Cordobés a Espartaco
Publicity pack for the Spanish newspaper Ya with caricatures of famous bullfighters by Fernando Vinyes.
Transformation of Playing Cards
The best-known fantasies with playing cards are the ‘Transformation’ cards. Hand-drawing ‘transformations’ onto a pack of ordinary playing cards, with the suit symbols forming part of the overall composition, became a popular pastime 200 years ago and a test of skill in drawing. A great deal of ingenuity is required in their design. The earliest printed sets were published at the start of the 19th century, often published in the form of an almanac or sometimes known as ‘metastasis’, and these became a fashionable and entertaining novelty.
In the strict sense of the word ‘Transformation’ the pips should be in their standard positions and form part of, or fit into, the overll image portrayed on the card.
Truco “Únicos”
Naipes Truco “Únicos” with caricatures of national celebrities designed by Gerardo N. Perez, 2006.
Vanity Fair 1868-1914
Vanity Fair 1868-1914 playing cards published by Billy Bembo, United Kingdom, 1995.
Victory
“Victory” by Pepys Games, a splendid game with caricatures of British and German leaders, published in 1940.
Volleyball European Championship ’83
Volleyball European Championship Rummy, 1983, designed by Klaus Hennig.