America

Published July 24, 2017 • Updated November 09, 2023

“America” playing cards designed by Teodoro N Miciano, 1960.

“America” playing cards designed by Teodoro N Miciano (1903-1974) and first published by Heraclio Fournier in 1960

Teodoro Miciano studied architecture and fine art and specialised in engraving, etching and lithography. Later he became a professor at the Escuela Superior de Bellas Artes de San Fernando (San Fernando School of Fine Arts, Madrid). The richly illuminated cards portray Pre-Columbian artwork. Spades depict Northeastern Native Indians; diamonds show North American Indians; Clubs portray the Incas and hearts the Aztec civilisation.

“America” playing cards designed by Teodoro N Miciano, 1960

Above: “America” playing cards designed by Teodoro N Miciano (1903-1974) and published by Heraclio Fournier S.A., 1960 & 1970. 52 cards + 2 jokers in box plus 2 booklets. This is the second edition of 1970. The four of clubs has the black exportation tax stamp used after 1964.

CREDITS & REFERENCES

García Martín, Enrique: La Baraja Francesa de figuras dobles de Heraclio Fournier, La Sota Nº 29, 2003

Scans of cards courtesy Rex Pitts.

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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.