David’s fortune-telling cards

Little is known about these French fortune-telling cards of the late nineteenth century, which are illustrated with theatrical or pseudo-historical figures. From time to time complete – or, more often, incomplete – sets turn up in auction lots and elsewhere. Each card bears a suit sign, consistently placed within a box in the upper-left corner, with a printed divinatory caption immediately beneath. Beyond this, there are no indices or markings to indicate numerical or court values, and no esoteric signs. The imagery instead draws on recognizable social types - sovereigns, soldiers, courtiers, and figures of everyday drama - suggesting a casual approach to fortune-telling for social entertainment and light-hearted fun.

Although the original hierarchy of the pack is not explicitly stated, it seems reasonable to assume that the arms are on the ‘aces’, the kings and emperors are on the ‘kings’, and the queens and empresses are on the ‘queens’. The order of the remaining cards is not so obvious. Helpfully, the name of the printer appears on the ‘ace’ of diamonds and that of the publisher on the ‘ace’ of clubs. The cards, which have square corners and plain backs, were printed by lithography in black and red only, in a format typical of inexpensive, popular graphic material of the period, likely sold through stationers, booksellers, fairs, or alongside almanacs.

Above: Fortune-telling cards published by David, Paris, and printed by A. Lelièvre, 8 Imp. de Lancry, Paris, France c.1895. 32 cards printed on flimsy paper, economical printing in black with red accents. Plain backs. Size: 50 x 82 mm. The style is closer to ephemera and popular prints than to luxury card decks.

It is interesting to note that the address of the printer (8, Imp. de Lancry) must have been close to premises once occupied by B.P. Grimaud at 54 Rue de Lancry. That quartier seems to have been home to many printers and publishers in the 19th century. The date of the cards is likely to be 1892 or soon after (see the last card in the hearts set), i.e., slightly later than the one indicated in the Cary catalogue:

• Keller, William B. The Cary Collection of Playing Cards, Vol. I. New Haven, CT, USA: Yale University Library; 1981. FRA 213.

Does anyone have any more information about these cards or how to use them?