Lyon pattern made in Italy by Pietro de Santi

The Lyon pattern was initially developed in Lyon, France, during the 16th century. As Lyon was a trading hub, cross-cultural exchange with Italy and other neighbouring countries occurred. The designs spread abroad, undergoing adaptations and surviving even after they became obsolete in France. Italian manufacturers produced their own versions, retaining the French suit symbols but simplifying the designs to make them easier to mass-produce. However, the Italian artisanal method of folding the back paper around the edges to form a border at the front, creating a more durable product, can be seen here. When lithography replaced woodblock printing this method was dropped.

On the knaves of spades, diamonds and clubs are scrolls lettered respectively “Carte Fine”, “Pietro de Santi”, and “Del Moro”. The knaves of hearts and clubs bear excise marks. The knave of spades has no pipe and the knave of clubs has a lion on his chest. The king of hearts has a falcon on his wrist.

Above: Lyon pattern made in Italy by Pietro de Santi, mid-18th century (?). Deck of 40 cards, hand-coloured woodcut printing. The hand-colouring gives each card a slightly unique look, even within the same deck, as small variations occur depending on the artisan’s skill and technique. © The Trustees of the British Museum.

The British Museum has two copies of this pack with different back designs. 1) a medallion of Julius Caesar and the legend “Al Moro” and 2) an image of Aurora in the clouds with the same legend “Al Moro”. Aurora is the Roman goddess of the dawn, believed to renew herself each morning, rising from the ocean to bring light to the world. In both cases the backpaper can be seen folded around to the fronts.

References

O’Donoghue, Freeman M: Catalogue of the collection of playing cards bequeathed by Lady Charlotte Schreiber (Italian 84 & 85), Trustees of the British Museum, London, 1901 [digital version here]

British Museum

• 1896,0501.134►
• 1896,0501.130►