Juan Humanes y Cía

Spanish-suited deck published by Juan Humanes y Cía, Madrid, 1879, in the more rudimentary Raimundo García pattern which suggests economic constraints or maybe a budget product available at low cost. The ace of coins has a lion with a sphere and the inscription “Fabrica de Madrid 1879” and the 4 of coins “J. Humanes y C_a” beneath two mermaids. See the wrapper►

Raimundo García initially created this modest and unassuming playing card design during the 1820s, possibly in response to the prevailing market dominance of high-quality, deluxe card packs. Rather than aiming to monopolize or copyright the design, he actively encouraged its production in other workshops. Juan Humanes succeeded Raimundo García, further popularizing the pattern across Spain as numerous manufacturers began crafting their own versions. See: José Cumplido (1860) • Viuda de Gombau e Hijos (1882)►

Above: Raimundo García pattern published by Juan Humanes y Cía, Madrid, 1879. 40 cards, hand-coloured woodcut or woodcut transferred and printed lithographically, backs printed in brown with a small pattern. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number 1896,0501.868►