Spanish 19^th century Political pack

Spanish satirical playing cards reflecting the political situation in Spain following the September 1868 revolution ('La Gloriosa') and the ousting of Isabel II who was exiled to France. The usual suits are fancifully treated: court cards are caricature portraits of contemporary Spanish political characters, the aces have satirical designs, and the coin suit-marks are old Spanish coins.

The ace of cups depicts Francisco Serrano, who became regent in 1870, in a gilded cage. The jack is Emilio Castelar, a visionary republican and eloquent defender of democracy, wearing a Phrygian cap and playing the violin. The cavalier of cups is Nicolás Mª Rivero, who advocated democracy, and the king of cups depicts Prince Alfonso wearing the crown. The four of cups depicts the national coat-of-arms and the remaining numeral cards have political issues inscribed on each cup.

The ace of clubs has a banner with the slogan “Absolutism” and various symbolic motifs in the foreground. The axe and the lobster were associated with critique of Absolutism in 19th century Spain: the axe symbolised violence and repression whilst the lobster symbolised decadence and privilege. The jack of clubs depicts Admiral Juan Baptista Topete with a disappointed look. Although he had played a key role in the revolution he became marginalised as the country descended into deeper political turmoil. The cavalier of clubs is Práxedes Mateo Sagasta, who served as prime minister on several occasions leading the liberal party and was renowned for his rhetorical skills, depicted here riding a bull carrying a bomb. The king of clubs is Don Carlos de Borbon, the pretender.

The ace of coins has a large rosette with the words “España con Honra” (Spain with honour). The image is supposed to represent fallen Spain, freed from the fight with the army, but emphasizing the importance of maintaining Spain's integrity. The jack of coins depicts Salustiano Olózaga holding a sheet of paper bearing the motto “Dios Salve a la Reyna” (God save the Queen) because he famously used this phrase during a parliamentary session in support of the young Queen Isabella II. The cavalier of coins is Estanislao Figueras y Moragas, a prominent figure in the Republican Party, depicted here playing the timbal. The king of coins is the pretender Duke of Montpensier (a member of the French royal family) dressed as a king. The Duke of Montpensier was often caricatured with a pistol and a moneybag due to his perceived association with power, wealth and possibly even corruption or manipulation in political affairs. The coins suit symbols are old Spanish coins.

The ace of swords represents the sword of the law over the state of siege. The jack of swords is Cándido Nocedal, known for his strong defense of Catholic unity and traditional values, holding the national standard. The cavalier of swords shows General Juan Prim y Prats who had been a key figure in the 1868 revolution, but was assassinated in 1870 which left a political vacuum. He is depicted here riding a mangy lion, hiding the crown, as many of his envisioned reforms remained unfulfilled and he was unable to restore Spain's former glory. The king of swords shows the vacant throne. The remaining cards in all suits feature various cartoons of impoverished Spain, and emblems of monarchists, republicans, liberals and carlists, as well as various inscriptions.

Above: Satirical playing cards manufactured by Francar y Cía, Barbara 12, Barcelona, 1872. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number 1896,0501.866►