Félix Solesio e Hijos

Since the late 18th century production of the Spanish National pattern was carried on under control of the Real Fábrica de Madrid monopoly, thereby prolonging its life as the orthodox design of the time. Another branch of the Royal Manufactory was set up in Macharaviaya (Málaga) to supply South and Central America, and the Madrid cardmaker Félix Solesio was put in charge. The inscription “Paralasyndias” can be read on the two of cups, showing that the pack was intended for Spain's West Indian colonies.

The ace of coins has the arms of Spain with two scrolls bearing the legend "Naipes Finisimos de la R. Fabrica de Macharaviaya por D. Felix Solesio". Other inscriptions on the cards include the 4 of coins which reads "Real Fabrica de Macharaviaya 1801" and the ace of cups reads "1801". From the mid-18th century the words Ahi Va, Ahivá or Aíva often appear at the bottom of the caballo of cups, as in this example. It means literally ‘there he [it] goes’ - colloquially a breezy exclamation of approval or encouragement.

Above: Félix Solesio e Hijos, Fábrica de Macharaviaya, 1801. 48 cards, hand-coloured woodcuts. Backs printed in blue with a pattern of stars. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number 1896,0501.856►

The Macharaviaya factory was built there becuase it was the birthplace of José de Gálvez, Minister of Carlos III of Indias, and Solesio was the administrator.

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 23) [digital version here]

Denning, Trevor: The Playing-Cards of Spain, Cygnus Arts, London, 1996