Bergmannskarte

German-suited, single-ended “Bergmannskarte” manufactured by Industrie Comptoir, Leipzig.

As early as the sixteenth century German playing cards evolved so that miniature burlesque scenes decorated the lower half of each card. Packs with miniature illustrations or vignettes on the numeral cards were now being produced covering all types of subject, from glorifying military achievements to idyllic rural scenes, animals, folklore or mining, as in this case. At the same time, many packs illustrate the fashions of the day, buildings, royalty, heraldry or whatever the artist fancies.

Above: “Bergmannskarte” manufactured by Industrie Comptoir, Leipzig, about 1816. Etching, stencil coloured, 36 cards.

See also:   Cartomancy Deck, c.1818►