Kings and Queens of Brazil & Portugal

After Brazil gained independence from Portugal in 1822, the relationship between the two nations evolved and they established diplomatic ties. Both nations maintained cultural and linguistic connections due to their shared history, language and heritage. Brazil became a constitutional monarchy with Pedro I as its first Emperor.

This pack of playing cards was issued for Brazil in around 1865-70. The court cards show Brazilian and Portuguese nobility and the pictorial aces depict historic, naval or topographical scenes. The kings have a crown above their suit sign and a coat of arms.

Spades: Joaquim Marques Lisboa Viscount of Tamandaré (1848–1849) • Theresa Christina Maria (1822-89) Empress Consort of Brazil • Dom Pedro II (1825-1891) Emperor of Brazil • Ace = Naval Combat in Río Chuelo against the Paraguayans June 11, 1865 / Battle of Estancia d’Assumpçam June 26 1865.

Diamonds: Baron of Amazonas (1804-1882), Hero of the Naval battle of Richuelo • Dona Maria II (1819-1853) Queen of Portugal • Dom Fernando (1816-1885) Regent of Portugal • Ace = Convento da Senhora do Pilar no Porto / Palacio de Crystal o Porto.

Clubs: Luís Alves de Lima e Silva, Marquis (and Duke) of Caxias (1803-1880) • Isabel, Princess Imperial of Brazil (1846-1921) • Prince Gaston of Orleans, Count of Eu (1841-1922).

Hearts: Duke of Saldanha (1790-1876) • Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911) Queen of Portugal • D Luiz I, King of Portugal (1838-1889) • Ace = Entrada de Lisboa et Terre de Belem (Entrance to Lisbon and Terre de Belém) / Tijuca no Rio de Janeiro (Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro).

Above: Kings and Queens of Brazil & Portugal historical playing cards, printed by C.L.Wüst, Frankfurt, Germany c.1865-70. Source gallica.bnf.fr / Bibliothèque nationale de France • Jeu de cartes allemand à deux têtes édité pour le Brésil►