French Costumes
During the early 19th century. O. Gibert of Paris produced a series of such fashion packs, or packs depicting historical characters.
O. Gibert, Paris: French Costumes, c.1848
Elegant, romantic and sophisticated!
The French taste for elegant, well engraved costume playing cards started during the early 19th century. O. Gibert of Paris produced a series of such fashion packs, or packs depicting historical characters. Being hand coloured, there was no consistency from deck to deck. Each version surpasses the last one in exquisiteness, delicacy and charm.
Above: French Costume playing cards published by O. Gibert, Paris, c.1848. The cards measure approximately 2 1/4 X 3 1/2 inches. Because they were hand made, they are not all exactly the same size, some cards vary by just a tiny bit. The backs are overall plain pink or blue. Images courtesy Rod Starling.
By Rod Starling (1936-2023)
United States • Member since January 09, 2013
Rod Starling was one of the founding members of the 52 Plus Joker card collectors club. He authored many articles for the club's quarterly newsletter, Clear the Decks. His collection encompasses both foreign and American decks. Rod also authored a book titled The Art and Pleasures of Playing Cards.
Activity for French Costumes
Sign in to comment or save this article.
Related Articles
Pierre Cardin
Geometric designs in a futurist style by Jean Garçon for the couturier Pierre Cardin.
Victor Hugo “L’homme qui rit”
Two different packs with costume designs for Victor Hugo plays, issued on the centenary of his deat...
Hôtels-Grils Campanile
Publicity pack for the Campanile hotel and restaurant chain featuring French provincial costumes, wi...
Costumes Alsaciens
Typical costumes and views of Alsace together with lists of the principal sights.
Costumes des Peuples Étrangers
Costumes des Peuples Étrangers & Jeu d’Or dedicated to young people and likely used for games and fo...
Fashion costume pack by O. Gibert
Elegant fashion costume deck published by O. Gibert, Paris c.1860.
Clavecin
Courts in 18th century costume, with designs by F.R. Gabiraud.
Rok playing cards
Distinctive designs by James Hodges for a clothing company.
Parfums Gianni Versace
Advertising pack for Gianni Versace perfumes.
KOOKAÏ
Playing cards promoting ready-to-wear outfits for women, produced by Compte-Fil, Nantes, France, 199...
National Costumes of Mongolia
National Costumes of Mongolia pack produced by the Wuyi Giant Colour Printing Co., Ltd.
Miniature French fashion playing cards
Tiny 19th.century ‘Cartes Mignonnes’ playing cards depicting the fashions of the period
Schweizer Trachten
Schweizer Trachten No.174 (Costumes Suisses) by Dondorf.
Provinces de France
Jeu des Provinces de France published by Éditions Dusserre, 1979.
Parisian Actors and Opera Singers
Extraordinary ‘Actors and Opera Singers’ deck printed by Avril et Cie, Paris, c.1865
Jeu des Rois de France
This beautifully engraved and pleasing deck designed in 1856 has French Kings and consorts as the Ki...
Jeu de Costumes Historiques
These cards are from neatly etched plates, and are carefully coloured. The court cards present full-...
Jeu de Costumes Historiques Anglais
The courts are full-length figures of English historical personages.
French Costumes
The French taste for elegant, well engraved costume playing cards started during the early 19th cent...
O. Gibert, Paris c.1840-60
Gibert was a master card-maker whose fashionable playing cards were of a very high standard.
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
