Le Geant, or Second Empire pack

The title of this delightful example of mid-19th-century French transformation cards is derived from inscriptions on the cards themselves, as neither an official title nor the name of the publisher is known. The presence of the date 1859 on the six of hearts (inside the two central hearts )), together with references on the three of diamonds to the “Guerre de Crimée” and several of its battles, places the deck within the period of the Second Empire under Napoleon III, most likely between 1859 and 1870. The ace of clubs has the legend “Le Geant” which gives rise to it's other commonly used nickname.

Stylistically, the cards are drawn in a light, draughtsman-like manner with elegance and inventiveness. The backgounds are sparse and restrained from clutter, giving the images a modern, hand-drarn quality and a sense of freedom.

Above: the complete pack contains 52 cards with plain pink backs. All images by kind permision of Anastasia Dancenco.

These cards reflect a moment when French card design was absorbing influences from popular illustration, current affairs and satire, and which feel witty, theatrical, and surprisingly fresh even today.