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Cartes politiques : Jeu d'actualité

Published November 20, 2024 Updated November 22, 2024

Political playing cards published by Grimaud et Chartier, Paris, 1872.

1872 France Grimaud Political

This French political pack was created during a period of significant socio-political upheaval, designed to reflect contemporary current affairs as a form of entertainment. The early 1870s were marked by the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War, the fall of the Second Empire and the establishment of the Third Republic. The 12 non-standard court cards represent the republic (hearts), the constitutional monarchy (clubs), the Empire (diamonds) and spades the legitimate monarchy. The four suit symbols have also been adapted into emblems representing forms of government • See the wrapper

Political playing cards (‘Jeu d'actualité’) published by Grimaud et Chartier, Paris, 1872. Source gallica.bnf.fr / BnF Political playing cards (‘Jeu d'actualité’) published by Grimaud et Chartier, Paris, 1872. Source gallica.bnf.fr / BnF Political playing cards (‘Jeu d'actualité’) published by Grimaud et Chartier, Paris, 1872. Source gallica.bnf.fr / BnF
Political playing cards (‘Jeu d'actualité’) published by Grimaud et Chartier, Paris, 1872. Source gallica.bnf.fr / BnF

Above: Political playing cards (‘Jeu d'actualité’) published by Grimaud et Chartier, Paris, 1872. 52 cards + wrapper, rounded and gilded corners, chromolithography, 8.6 x 5.6 cm. Backs plain blue or pink. Bibliothèque nationale de France

References

Bibliothèque nationale de France: Cartes politiques. Jeu d'actualité

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By Simon Wintle

Member since February 01, 1996

Founder and editor of the World of Playing Cards since 1996. He is a former committee member of the IPCS and was graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal for many years. He has lived at various times in Chile, England and Wales and is currently living in Extremadura, Spain. Simon's first limited edition pack of playing cards was a replica of a seventeenth century traditional English pack, which he produced from woodblocks and stencils.

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