Victor Hugo “L’homme qui rit”
Two different packs with costume designs for Victor Hugo plays, issued on the centenary of his death.
To mark the centenary of the death of the French novelist and poet Victor Hugo (1802-1885), two different sets of cards were issued – this one and Victor Hugo 1885-1985. In the present set, there are two different packs: one features costumes for “L’homme qui rit” (1869) designed by Jean Hugo, a great-grandson of Victor Hugo, in 1925; the other depicts costumes worn by famous actors and actresses of the 19th century in different Hugo roles. Further details are supplied on the extra card in each pack. These cards have gilt edges.
Deck 1
Costumes for “L’homme qui rit” (1869) designed by Jean Hugo
Above: “L’homme qui rit” playing cards printed by France Cartes, Saint-Max, France. Published by Maison de Victor Hugo / Editions Paris-Musées, 1985. 2 x 52 cards + 2 Jokers + 1 extra card in lengthwise, telescopic box. Size: 58 x 89 mm.
Deck 2
Costumes worn by famous actors and actresses of the 19th century in different Hugo roles
This set was made for the Maison de Victor Hugo, an apartment and museum situated in the Place des Vosges in Paris, where Victor Hugo lived for 16 years.
See the box
By Roddy Somerville
France • Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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