Hermanos Solesio

Spanish National Pattern / “Money Bag” Type

Money Bag pattern by Hermanos Solesio (Caietano and Pedro Maria Solesio), Genoa, late 18th c. The Fratelli Solesio factory in Genoa supplied regional patterns to many overseas markets. Once their reputation had been established, the name Hermanos Solesi (or Solesio) was used in the Spanish speaking markets. In this example, the ace of coins has the arms of Spain with two scrolls reading “Hermanos Solesi”. However, the sota (or Jack) of coins holds a bag full of money in his right hand, which, along with other features, is a distinctive variation of the Spanish National pattern, associated primarily with Italian card makers from the Finale Ligure region.

Above: “Money Bag” pattern by Hermanos Solesi, woodcut and stencils, late 18th century. The four of coins has the initials F.S. [Fratelli Solesi] and a rising sun motif. Note also the trefoil device on the four of cups.

The Fratelli Solesi playing card factories in Genoa exported their wares far and wide. In this way, examples of this pattern reached Spanish dependencies in Manila (Philippines), Peru and Mexico, where, due to its popularity, were sought after and imitated by local manufacturers. This became a challenge for the Official Spanish monopoly in those territories to cards produced in the Royal factory at Macharaviaya (Malaga). The Money Bag pattern also appeared at the Impressão Régia (Lisbon) via Lorenzo María Solesio, Félix Solesio’s older brother, who worked there. Examples are also known produced by Félix Solesio himself. Surprisingly, in spite of its popularity, this pattern was not produced at the Royal factory at Macharaviaya.

Another Example

“Baraja que viene de Europa y cuesta dos reales”.

Above “Money Bag” pattern by Fratelli Solesi, mid-late 18th century. 48 cards. The two of cups has the inscription “En Final”. © Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte. Archivo General de Indias MP Ingenios y Muestras 246.

CREDITS & REFERENCES

Additional research by Alberto Pérez González.

Denning, Trevor: The Playing-Cards of Spain, Cygnus Arts, London, 1996

Pérez González, Alberto: Una introducción y dos precisiones, in “La Sota” Nº19, Asescoin, Madrid, 1998.

Pérez González, Alberto: Anexo: La Baraja Perdida de Félix Solesio, in “La Sota” Nº38, pp.76-77, Asescoin, Madrid.

A further example of this pattern by Hermanos Solesio can be viewed on the British Museum website►