Schiller deck

Schiller deck, C. L. Wüst, Frankfurt/Main, c.1834

Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller (1759 – 1805) was a German poet, philosopher, historian, and playwright. The ‘Schiller’ deck was made by Conrad Ludwig Wüst (1811-1927), Frankfurt/Main, ca. 1834 to commemorate Schiller’s 75th birthday. Designed and copper engraved by J. Wulf, stencil coloured, 36 cards. The aces depict theatrical attributes, the court cards depict figures from different dramas by Schiller and the pip cards have vignettes of scenes from his most popular works. The King of Hearts is reminiscent of Schiller as a translator of Shakespeare.

Above: Schiller deck made by Conrad Ludwig Wüst, Frankfurt/Main, ca. 1834. The manufacturer's name can be read on the Eight of Hearts.

C. L. Wüst was eventually taken over by the Vereinigte Altenburger Stralsunder Spielkarten Fabriken AG (V.A.S.S.), Altenburg (1931-1945), who from time to time made use of the old designs and plates.   See also:   C.L. Wüst: Brazil Scenic Aces • Swiss Album Patience • Shakespearean Playing Cards • Germany Homepage

Above: an uncut sheet with 18 playing-cards with German suit-marks showing scenes and characters from different plays, some associated with German playwright Friedrich Schiller (1759-1805). The cards are the 4 aces, 4 knaves, 4 knights, 4 kings, and the 9 and 10 of hearts. Each pip card has the act and scene number in the top right corner and a description of the scene on the lower margin. The court cards have the name of the character in the lower margin. The partner to this sheet (no. 1883,1110.129) has on the 8 of hearts a stone monument with the name of "Schiller" printed in the centre. Below is "C.L. Wüst in Frankfurt a/m." © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number 1883,1110.126►

REFERENCES

Shaw, Martin & Symons, Paul: Playing cards from the factory C.L.Wüst, Frankfurt, Germany (1811-1927), Catalogue of the exhibition held at the Nationaal Museum van de Speelkaart, Turnhout, Belgium, 23 September-31 December 2005.