Joseph Losch

Published September 08, 2016 Updated June 12, 2023

French-suited pack with full-length courts by Joseph Losch, c.1800.

1800 GermanyEngravedHistoryJoseph Losch
detail from Chur Ober-Pfälzische Französisch Karten by Joseph Losch, c1800

Chur Ober-Pfälzische Französisch Karten by Joseph Losch, Amberg, c.1800

A French-suited pack with full-length courts derived from the French Paris pattern, like the Bavarian cards of Göbl who first produced this type of cards about 1750, but with contemporary costume and imperial symbolism, manufactured in Amberg (Bavaria) by Joseph Losch. Finely engraved on copper plates, hand-coloured with brush and stencils.

"Chur Ober-Pfälzische": The "Chur Pfalz" was a part of the Holy Roman Empire divided into "Ober-Pfalz" (Upper Pfalz) and Unter-Pfalz (Under Pfalz). Amberg, where Losch produced the cards, is a town located in the Ober-Pfalz.

Chur Ober-Pfälzische Französisch Karten by Joseph Losch, c1800 Chur Ober-Pfälzische Französisch Karten by Joseph Losch, c1800

Above: “Chur Ober-Pfälzische Französisch. Karten” by Joseph Losch, Amberg, c.1800, copper engraved, stencil coloured, 52 cards

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By Klaus-Juergen Schultz (1948-2025)

Germany • Member since February 03, 2024

From the collection of Klaus-Jürgen Schultz.

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