Florentine Pattern

One of several similar designs which emerged during the nineteenth century, the French-suited, single-figured, large-format Florentine pattern has several distinctive features. The courts are realistically drawn without formalised style, and are dressed in Renaissance costume. The king of diamonds is reading a scroll; the jack of clubs is holding a large book; the queen of hearts is holding a letter, or about to drop it. There are no indices, usually 40 cards. The example shown below is from an uncut sheet by Edoardo Pignalosa, Rampe Brancaccio 76, Napoli, c.1946.

Above: detail from an uncut sheet by Edoardo Pignalosa, Rampe Brancaccio 76, Napoli, c.1946. The complete sheet can be seen here►

Above: Florentine pattern by Cambissa & Co., Trieste, 1970. Images courtesy Rex Pitts.

Above: Florentine pattern by Masenghini, Bergamo. Images courtesy Rex Pitts.

Above: Florentine pattern by Dal Negro.