Les métiers et leurs protecteurs
“Les métiers et leurs protecteurs” playing cards published by Editions Dusserre, c. 1995.
While it is commonly known that countries or nations may regard a particular saint as their “heavenly advocate” (e.g. England - Saint George; Wales - Saint David; Czech Republic - Saint Wenceslas), perhaps less well-known is the fact that many professions, crafts and activities also have a patron-saint or patroness saint as their heavenly protector.
This pack, published by Editions Dusserre, c. 1995 displays photographs, paintings or polychrome wood sculptures of saints on 48 of the 54 cards. The deuces and the two jokers list over 170 different trades or professions with the name (or names) of their patron saint(s). Several have more than one protector, depending on their town or region. So, Saint Balthazar is the patron saint of card players and manufacturers, Saint Jean Porte Latine of printers and booksellers. Clockmakers, florists, bankers, umbrella manufacturers, firefighters, tanners, wine merchants, clockmakers, and many others are listed. See the box►
Above: “Les métiers et leurs protecteurs” playing cards published by Editions Dusserre, c. 1995.
By Peter Burnett
United Kingdom • Member since July 27, 2022
I graduated in Russian and East European Studies from Birmingham University in 1969. It was as an undergraduate in Moscow in 1968 that I stumbled upon my first 3 packs of “unusual” playing cards which fired my curiosity and thence my life-long interest. I began researching and collecting cards in the early 1970s, since when I’ve acquired over 3,330 packs of non-standard cards, mainly from North America, UK and Western Europe, and of course from Russia and the former communist countries.
Following my retirement from the Bodleian Library in Dec. 2007 I took up a new role as Head of Library Development at the International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP) to support library development in low-income countries. This work necessitated regular training visits to many sub-Saharan African countries and also further afield, to Vietnam, Nepal and Bangladesh – all of which provided rich opportunities to further expand my playing card collection.
Since 2019 I’ve been working part-time in the Bodleian Library where I’ve been cataloguing the bequest of the late Donald Welsh, founder of the English Playing Card Society.
Activity for Les métiers et leurs protecteurs
Sign in to comment or save this article.
Related Articles
Jeu Roman
The splendour of early medieval France, courtesy of Éditions Dusserre.
Les Saints Guérisseurs et Protecteurs
Healing and patron saints portrayed in paintings, manuscripts, altarpieces and statuary.
Lorilleux International
Promotional pack for Lorilleux International’s Lotus inks, with designs by James Hodges.
British Monarchs
Commemorating the royal wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer on the 29th
Jeu de la Belle Epoque
Jeu de la Belle Epoque, remembering a golden age of optimism, progress and elegance.
Jeu Gothique
‘Jeu Gothique’ illustrating the Gothic period in France, published by Editions Dusserre.
Jeu Bonaparte
Jeu Bonaparte depicting the extended family of Napoleon Bonaparte, France, 1978
Jeu des Bonnets Phrygiens
Reproduction of Jeu des Bonnets Phrygiens relating to the Phrygian cap (or liberty cap), France, 198...
Jeu de la Vme
A political pack designed by Pino Zac and published in 1977 by Editions Arts et Lettres.
Costumes Alsaciens
Typical costumes and views of Alsace together with lists of the principal sights.
Révolution 1789-1989
Révolution 1789-1989, celebrating the bicentenary of the French revolution, France, 1989
Les Chemins de Saint-Jacques
Paintings, statues, monuments and maps associated with different routes to Compostela.
Les Grands Ecrivains
‘Les Grands Ecrivains’ produced for members of “Le Grand Livre du Mois”, France, c. 1970.
Le Burling
1960s pack from Annecy with non-standard suits all connected with the office.
The story behind some special Jokers
How the “Gibbons” Jokers came into being.
Le Régime Bush
“Le Régime Bush” anti-war playing cards designed by Thierry Meyssan, France, 2003.
Martinique
Original designs from the French overseas department of Martinique by local artist Martine Porry.
Jeu Romantique de Nanteuil
“Jeu Romantique de Nanteuil” published by Éditions Dusserre, Paris, based on originals published in ...
Éditions Dusserre, Paris
Éditions Dusserre, Paris: games with a history.
Tarot des Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris
Tarot des Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris, a French Fire Brigade tarot deck published by Éditions Dusserre...
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
