José Gombau

José Gombau, c.1833

Half-sized deck of Spanish-suited playing cards in the Maciá pattern produced by José Gombau, c.1833. The cards are printed from woodblocks and coloured using a brush and stencils. Although the workmanship is slightly crude the result is charming. The standing figures adopt classical poses, gracefully placing their weight on one foot. The kings have the whole length of their legs in view and wear shoulder-capes over long robes.

Above: cards from a 48-card deck of half-sized [58 x 35 mms] Spanish-suited playing cards in the Maciá pattern produced by José Gombau, Zaragoza, c.1830. This design was first produced by Juan José Maciá of Barcelona in 1830 and subsequently used as a model by other cardmakers.