Baraja Mística
‘Baraja Mística’ satirical playing-cards featuring revelling clergy published by Litografía Fernández, Madrid.
This 40-card Spanish-suited pack features comical designs satirising the Spanish clergy. On the coins cards we see churchmen worshipping and gloating over gold coins and moneybags, and the suit of cups shows monks, nuns and church officials partying, enjoying plenty of alcohol, with a nun holding a guitar. The clubs and swords suits show further caricatures of religious people in unholy attitudes.
Above: ‘Baraja Mística’ satirical playing-cards published by Litografía Fernández, Feijóo 3, Madrid, c.1885-1890. Backs printed with a small blue pattern of mitres and birettas. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Baraja Mistica►
Along the bottom of the ace of cups is printed the legend “Lit Fernandez, Fiejóo 3 Madrid” and an extra ace of cups, possibly a title card, is printed “Baraja (misspelled Babaja) Mística. Precio. 2 Pesetas”. The wrapper is labelled “Baraja Mistica. Venta en todas las Librerias”.
Further References
O’Donoghue, Freeman M: Catalogue of the collection of playing cards bequeathed by Lady Charlotte Schreiber, Trustees of the British Museum, London, 1901 (Spanish 11) [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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