‘El Cid’ designed by E. Pastor, Valencia, Spain, c.1875
‘El Cid’ fantasy playing cards designed by E. Pastor, Valencia, Spain, c.1875
‘El Cid’ fantasy playing cards designed by E. Pastor and manufactured by Simeon Durá, Valencia, Spain, c.1875
Above: E. Pastor's magnificent fantasy Spanish suited playing cards, printed by Simeon Durá, Valencia, c.1875. The king of coins is based on a painting of Louis XIV of France by the Catalan artist Jacint Rigau i Ros.
This was about the same period when Naipes Heraclio Fournier were developing their own 'Castilian' playing cards and there may have been competition between the rival manufacturers to produce new designs for the market. These designs were subsequently revised and became Durá's standard house-style for 'El Cid' Spanish-suited cards for many decades. E. Pastor also designed Simeon Durá's highly acclaimed fantasy advertising pack for Chocolates 'El Barco'. In both cases the excellence of the artwork is outstanding.
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996 • Contact
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.
Related Articles
El Niño de las Pinturas
Forty-nine distinctive works by Spanish graffiti artist Raúl Ruiz.
Baraja “Neoclásica”, Madrid, 1810
Baraja “Neoclásica” engraved by José Martínez de Castro, first published by Clemente Roxas, Madrid, ...
Baraja Mitológica
“Baraja Mitológica” was first published in Madrid in c.1815 by Josef Monjardín from engravings by Jo...
America
“America” playing cards designed by Teodoro N Miciano, 1960.
‘El Cid’ by Simeon Durá, Valencia, Spain
‘El Cid’ playing cards manufactured by Simeon Durá, Valencia, Spain.
Baraja Asescoin 1998
Asescoin 1998 member’s pack designed by Josep Soriano.
Ancient Civilisations
Ancient Civilisations playing cards designed by Celedonio Perellón, produced by Heraclio Fournier, ...
Baraja PEPLVM
Baraja PEPLVM features cartoons by Ortuño of famous actors and actresses in roles from epic Roman mo...
Baraja Literaria
“Baraja Literaria” Spanish pack with cartoons by Serafín, published by Asescoin and manufactured by ...
Baraja Marinera
‘Baraja Marinera’ designed by Francisco Javier San Juan, published by Asescoin (Madrid), 1995
El Cid 9th centenary
Playing cards commemorating the IX centenary of the death of ‘El Cid’ designed by Vicente S. Algora....
Baraja Edad Media
Baraja Edad Media, fantasy Spanish-suited medieval playing cards published Mas-Reynals, Barcelona, 1...
Ibero-American Deck, 1929
Ibero-American Deck, designed by L. Palao, 1929.
Baraja Digital
Baraja Digital by Naipes De La Cigüeña, 1990.
Baraja Taurina by Simeon Durá, c.1916
Baraja Taurina manufactured by Simeon Durá (Valencia) for Chocolate Angelical, first published in 19...
Heraclio Fournier S.A.
Founded in 1868, today it is part of Cartamundi.
Baraja "Te Amo" cartoons by Serafín
Baraja 'Te Amo' con dibujos de Serafín en tirada de 500 ejemplares numerados, 48 naipes. Fabricado p...
El Barco
El Barco playing cards designed by E. Pastor, Valencia, Spain, c.1895
Simeon Durá 1871-1940
Simeon Durá of Valencia was one of Spain's most distinguished playing card manufacturers, flourishin...
Moliner - Burgos
Cards from a "Nº 4" pack manufactured by Antonio Moliner, Burgos.
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
