Portrait de Paris corrigé de Minot

During the early years of the French Revolution, cardmakers began to make changes to the various regional patterns by ‘correcting’ them to suit the tastes of the day. At first, the changes were minor, with the removal of emblems reminiscent of the Ancien Régime and representing royalty, such as crowns and sceptres. From 1793 onwards, these changes became more marked. Indeed, completely new sets of courts were designed depicting ancient Romans and Greeks, philosophers, the four seasons, etc.

In the present pack from about 1790, the cardmaker Minot in Paris has used the traditional Paris pattern courts but made certain alterations, mainly to the headgear, although it could be argued that the kings still wear a form of crown. The fleur-de-lys has been removed from the King and Queen of Clubs, while there is now a curious device on the breast of the Jack of Clubs. The cardmaker’s initials also appear on this card. Perhaps surprisingly, the courts have retained their old names (Charles, David, Alexandre, etc.). These would soon disappear from subsequent packs.

There was no standardisation of these changes. Other cardmakers made their own amendments or ‘corrections’.

Above: early Revolutionary Paris pattern deck made by Minot, Paris, France, c1790. 32 cards. Size: 56 x 82 mm. This pack was formerly in the collection of Claude Guiard (sold 5 November 2011) and later owned by Christopher Rayner (sold 18 February 2025).