Virginie Houdet

Published September 25, 2018 • Updated June 19, 2022

Virginie Houdet “Cartes à Jouer” limited edition, 2017.

Virginie Houdet “Cartes à Jouer” limited edition, 2017

Virginie Houdet has created a delightful deck of playing cards with original designs based on the traditional canon. “Nourrie par les anciens, elle poursuit son aventure poétique dans le présent.” The logical order and symmetry of the deck has been respectfully and imaginatively reassembled with new colours and a poetic spirit. The primitive geometric designs derived from woodblocks are refreshed in an intelligent and aesthetic harmony.

The Pip Cards

Virginie Houdet “Cartes à Jouer” limited edition, 2017

Above: every card is an original watercolor and ink drawing. The 40 pip cards are each differently coloured in a readily comprehensible format.

“Colours allow invisible emotions to express, enable things we can’t say to be seen.
‘Art does not reproduce the visible but makes it visible’ Klee said.” - V.H.

The Court Cards

Above: the 12 double-ended court cards suggest personalities with underlying emotions and feelings, against a suit symbol in the background. As can be seen in the bottom row, the indices are bi-lingual: English at one end, French at the other end.

Decks come with 52 cards + 2 jokers + extra card in tuck box, a choice of 2 back designs, in a numbered limited edition of 250, available direct from the artist►

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By Simon Wintle

Spain • Member since February 01, 1996

I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.