Transformation Playing Cards, 1811

‘Metastasis’ Transformation playing cards, first published in 1811, in which each card bears an intricate and artistic or burlesque design into which the suit marks have been incorporated. This set was printed by I L S Cowell but many were hand-drawn. The artistic exercise began as a late 18th century parlour game and became a popular pastime during the Victorian era when ordinary playing cards would be transformed by illustrating them in pen and paint.

Above: 16 cards from Cowell's Transformation Cards, 1811. The complete set of five sheets is accompanied by a wrapper bearing the royal arms, with the title "Metastasis. Transformation of Playing Cards", and "Designed and Etched by I.L.S. Cowell". © The Trustees of the British Museum • Cowell's Transformation Cards►

Above: same as the above, coloured version, published September 1, 1811, by S. and J. Fuller, at the Temple of Fancy, Rathbone Place, London.. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Metastasis, Transformation of Cards►

Reference

O’Donoghue, Freeman M: Catalogue of the collection of playing cards bequeathed by Lady Charlotte Schreiber, Trustees of the British Museum, London, 1901 (Sheets English 2 & English 72) [digital version here]

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Facsimile edition

Above: cards from the facsimile edition published by Harry Margary.

A new facsimile is published by the EPCS.

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A rough but lively study of a group of men in hats playing cards by Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775–1851), 1819.

Source: www.tate.org.uk/.../turner-sketches-at-genzano-including-notes-on-local-costume-and-a-group-of-men-playing-d15465►