Natural History Tarocchi
Natural History Tarocchi by Ferdinando Gumppenberg, Milan.
Ferdinando Gumppenberg, an illustrious Milanese printer, was a pioneering card designer and manufacturer in the early 19th century. Upon arriving in Milan from Munich in 1809, he introduced German technical innovation, contemporary trends and style to Italy. In this lesser-known pack, rather than the standard images, the trump cards are natural history subjects with Italian titles. Trump II has the arms of Milan and Venice, with a tablet lettered "Ferdinando Gumppenberg Fabb. di Carte di giuoco in Milano, Corsia del Giardino". The double-ended court cards are without inscriptions.
Above: Natural History Tarocchi by Ferdinando Gumppenberg, Milan. Hand-coloured etching, 78 cards, backs printed with a pattern of blue stars. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number 1896,0501.13►
Gumppenberg shared his extensive knowledge and experiences gained through studying under J. Fetscher and his exposure to the latest developments in Germany and Austria during the late 18th century. His notable contributions include a wide range of tarot packs, such as the highly successful "Della Rocca" tarot, the "Sopraffino Tarot," and the non-standard "Corona Ferrea" pack. These packs were meticulously engraved from metal plates, allowing for exceptional detail and precision, earning the designation "suprafino" or superfine in Italian.
REFERENCES
O’Donoghue, Freeman M: Catalogue of the collection of playing cards bequeathed by Lady Charlotte Schreiber, Trustees of the British Museum, London, 1901 (Italian 9) [digital version here]
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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