Cosi Fan Tutte
Karl Gerich No.36: Cosi Fan Tutte, 1994
Cosi Fan Tutte was published in 1994 and is based on Mozart's opera. The pips (heart-shaped locket, magnet, marriage contract and poison bottle) are key objects in the development of the operatic plot. The Kings are the two male lovers in their normal costume and then dressed as Albanians. The Queens are the female leads with their lovers, in and out of disguise, in the background. The Jacks show Despina in and out of her disguises while the fourth is Fiordiligi. The Aces are embellished with cupids, satyrs, angels and witches. The standing Joker is Don Alfonso.
Above: Karl Gerich pack no.36 titled "Cosi Fan Tutte", published in 1994. 52 cards + Joker. Cards measure 85mm x 96mm. Images courtesy Barney Townshend.
References:
♠ Tregear, Mike and Daphne, "Karl Gerich: Card Designer and Maker", privately published.