The World of Playing Cards Logo

Spanish Political pack

Published June 26, 2023 Updated June 26, 2023

Satirical playing cards manufactured by Francar y Cía depicting political situation, Barcelona, 1872.

1872 Spain Francar y Cía Political Satire

Spanish satirical playing cards reflecting the political situation in Spain following the September 1868 revolution and the ousting of Isabel II. 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 Serrano, regent in 1870, in a gilded cage. The jack is Castelar wearing a Phrygian cap, playing the violin. The cavalier of cups is Nicolas Mª Rivero 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.

Satirical playing cards manufactured by Francar y Cía, Barbara 12, Barcelona, 1872. © The Trustees of the British Museum

The ace of clubs has a banner with the slogan “Absolutism” with various items including an axe and a lobster in the foreground. The jack of clubs depicts Admiral Topete with a disappointed look. The cavalier of clubs is Sagasta riding a bull carrying a bomb. The king of clubs is Don Carlos de Borbon, the pretender.

Satirical playing cards manufactured by Francar y Cía, Barbara 12, Barcelona, 1872. © The Trustees of the British Museum

The ace of coins has a large rosette with the words “España con Honra” (Spain with honor). The image is supposed to represent fallen Spain, freed from the fight with the army. The jack of coins depicts Olozaga holding a sheet of paper bearing the motto “Dios Salve a la Reyna” (God save the Queen). The cavalier of coins is Figueras playing the timbal. The king of coins is the pretender Duke of Montpensier dressed as a king. The coins suit symbols are old Spanish coins.

Satirical playing cards manufactured by Francar y Cía, Barbara 12, Barcelona, 1872. © The Trustees of the British Museum

The ace of swords represents the sword of the law over the state of siege. The jack of swords is Candido Nocedal with the national standard. The cavalier of swords shows Prin riding a mangy lion, hiding the crown. 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.

Satirical playing cards manufactured by Francar y Cía, Barbara 12, Barcelona, 1872. © The Trustees of the British Museum
Satirical playing cards manufactured by Francar y Cía, Barbara 12, Barcelona, 1872. © The Trustees of the British Museum

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

avatar
1,473 Articles

By Simon Wintle

Member since February 01, 1996

Founder and editor of the World of Playing Cards since 1996. He is a former committee member of the IPCS and was graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal for many years. He has lived at various times in Chile, England and Wales and is currently living in Extremadura, Spain. Simon's first limited edition pack of playing cards was a replica of a seventeenth century traditional English pack, which he produced from woodblocks and stencils.

Related Articles

1979 Baraja Turística del País Vasco

Baraja Turística del País Vasco

Basque poker deck of 55 cards published by Fournier with scenic views of the Basque Country.

1979 Baraja Vasca

Baraja Vasca

Spanish Basque Country deck with original drawings by María Isabel Ibañez de Sendadiano.

1798 Pam is the Knave of Clubs

Pam is the Knave of Clubs

Playing cards as metaphors in 18th century art - from fate, chance and social hierarchy t...

1711 Dr Sacheverell

Dr Sacheverell

Dr. Henry Sacheverell's impeachment in 1710 sparked widespread public unrest and political upheaval,...

1872 Cartes politiques : Jeu d'actualité

Cartes politiques : Jeu d'actualité

Political playing cards published by Grimaud et Chartier, Paris, 1872.

1983 Politiker-Skat by Bubec

Politiker-Skat by Bubec

Caricatures of world leaders, including many German politicians, by the artist Bubec.

1983 Le Poker Politique

Le Poker Politique

French politicians and various world leaders caricatured by the German artist Bubec.

2022 Baraja Cultura Española

Baraja Cultura Española

ASESCOIN pack for 2022 designed by M.A. Corella featuring famous Spaniards and notable buildings.

Laurenzo Propagine

Laurenzo Propagine

Spanish-suited cards made in Italy by Laurenzo Propagine.

2021 Jeu de 7 familles Les Dynasties d’Artisans Basques

Jeu de 7 familles Les Dynasties d’Artisans Basques

Long-standing Basque businesses represented in a traditional card game with illustrations by Odile A...

Archaic Franco-Spanish pattern

Archaic Franco-Spanish pattern

Archaic Franco-Spanish pattern by Guillaume & Jean Grossard (Bordeaux).

2006 La Baraja del Mundial

La Baraja del Mundial

“La Baraja del Mundial” satirical football deck published by Fournier for ‘Interviú’ news magazine. ...

1708 Archaic Spanish proof sheets

Archaic Spanish proof sheets

2 x uncoloured proof sheets of archaic Spanish-suited playing cards produced for “New Spain”, possib...

Hispania Romana

Hispania Romana

Educational card game depicting the Roman period in Spanish history.

QAIPES – cartas españolas

QAIPES – cartas españolas

Spanish-suited cards made in China inscribed “QAIPES” and “BAIPES”!

2019 Baraja de la Cocina Española

Baraja de la Cocina Española

A celebration of Spanish gastronomy, with designs by Silja Götz employing non-standard suits.