Cotta Transformation playing cards
In 1804, J.G. Cotta, a publisher and bookseller in Tübingen, Germany, produced the first set of transformation cards that was published as an actual deck of playing cards.
Cotta Transformation playing cards, 1804
In 1804, J. G. Cotta, a publisher and bookseller in Tübingen, Germany, produced the first set of transformation cards that was published as an actual deck of playing cards, designed by Charlotte von Jennison-Walworth. The court cards depict characters from Friedrich von Schiller's tragedy Die Jungfrau von Orleans (The Maid of Orleans) but the transformed pip cards are unrelated. This art form probably began as a parlour game in late 18th century England for the entertainment of ladies and gentlemen, but since then transformation cards have become one of the most popular fantasy creations in playing cards and often showcase a high level of creative art and skill. You can play it yourself at home... take a piece of card and mark five or six suit symbols, then players must create a figure from these...
Above: Cotta's Transformation playing cards, first published in Tübingen, Germany, in 1804. These decks were published as almanacs, each card corresponding to one of the 52 weeks of the year. Cards shown here are from the facsimile edition published by Baptiste-Paul Grimaud (France-Cartes) in 1984. 52 cards + extra card in presentation box.
By Simon Wintle
Spain • 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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