Richard Wagner
Richard Wagner playing cards designed by Melchior Annen.
Richard Wagner by Melchior Annen
Richard Wagner playing cards were printed by AGMüller in 1968, featuring scenes and personages from Wagner's operas. The pack had been designed in 1920 by Swiss artist and illustrator Melchior Annen (1868-1954) whose output included watercolours, posters and prints, and who also designed several other packs for Müller & Cie.
Above: Richard Wagner playing cards designed by Melchior Annen and produced by AGMüller in 1968.
Above: a page from the booklet, courtesy Valentin Zadunaisky.
Also by Melchior Annen: ‘Rococco’ • ‘Troubador’ or ‘Humanist’ • ‘Casino’.
By Simon Wintle
Member since February 01, 1996
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.
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