Litografías Industrias Madriguera
Pictorial trade cards were becoming popular throughout Europe so that tea, tobacco, chocolate or even beef extract were the commodities most associated with beautifully lithographed insert cards.
Litografías Industrias Madriguera, Barcelona, c.1896
Sets of playing cards or domino cards aimed at children became a new trend in Catalonia and Valencia during the 1870s designed to carry advertising slogans by chocolate companies on the fronts and/or reverse. Pictorial trade cards were becoming popular throughout Europe so that tea, tobacco, chocolate or even beef extract were the commodities most associated with beautifully lithographed and collectible insert cards. The quality and imagination of the designs reflects the cultural exuberance of those past times.
In this example, by Litografías Industrias Madriguera of Barcelona, suits were designed as skittles, balls, swords and sundae dishes around which groups of children are balancing or climbing. Ribbons or blank panels on the reverse incorporated references to the chocolate products (which in this edition have been removed).
Above: cards from facsimile edition by El Sendero of 40 card version of a design originally published in c.1896 and re-issued in 1930s by Litografías Industrias Madriguera, Barcelona. 97x61mm.
See also: Naipes de "Don Quijote" by E. Pastor at Biblioteca Nacional de España • Juego de Naipes Comicos►
REFERENCES:
Denning, Trevor: The Playing-Cards of Spain, Cygnus Arts, London, 1996
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
Miniature spanish-suited playing cards
Pack of 48 miniature spanish playing-cards published by C R.
Amorcillos
‘Amorcillos’ (Cupids), a masterpiece from the golden age of Spanish playing cards by Clemente Roxas,...
Baraja Cartomántica Chocolates Nelia
Some examples of playing cards made in Catalonia from the collection of Iris Mundus, Barcelona.
Bartlett Ackermann Transformation
Pictorial playing cards published by C. Bartlett, New York, 1833.
Regional Costumes
Spanish regional costumes and coats-of-arms; cute illustrations on each card, 1986.
Hija de B Fournier
Having started out as Fournier Hermanos, Burgos in 1860, the company remained in the Fournier family...
Baraja Taurina by Simeon Durá, c.1916
Baraja Taurina manufactured by Simeon Durá (Valencia) for Chocolate Angelical, first published in 19...
Cigarette Cards and other ephemera
Cigarette Cards, Trade Cards, Miniature Playing Cards and other ephemera.
Heraclio Fournier S.A.
Founded in 1868, today it is part of Cartamundi.
Fló Hermanos y Compañía, importers of playing-cards, Argentina, 1860-1910
Fló Hermanos y Compañía, importers of playing-cards, Argentina, 1860-1910.
Spanish Playing Cards ~ La Baraja Española
Spain has played a pivotal role in the history of playing cards in Europe and Latin America.
Zoo Comics
ZOO COMICS animated playing cards made by Litografía Ferri, Valencia (Spain), first published in 196...
Naipes Finos No.21
Naipes Finos No.21 "Hispano Americana", in the Castilian style, by Juan Roura, Barcelona, c.1940.
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.
Baraja Artistas del Cine Mudo
Baraja Artistas del Cine Mudo, c.1926.
Baraja Boxeo
Baraja de Boxeo, c.1930.
Spanish Historical Characters playing cards, c.1896
Cards from the Spanish Historical Characters playing cards set printed by Litografía Madriguera (Bar...
South German Engraver
A pack of 52 cards with banner 10s, female 'Sotas', horsemen and kings, the pack was engraved in the...
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
