The Seven Ages of Man
Original paintings by Jane Daniell depicting characters from Shakespeare’s plays.
Shakespearean characters seem to hold an eternal fascination for designers of playing cards. These designs by Jane Daniell feature a variety of characters, all listed on the double-sided key card. Some appear to be details from larger works. The Aces and 2s also have small illustrations in one corner. The suit-signs and indices for the black suits are printed in deep blue. Quoting from the second extra card, “The image on the reverse is the artist’s representation of the myth of a flat earth played out in the theatre of Shakespeare’s era as described by Cosmas Indicopleustes of Alexandria”. See the box►
Above: The Seven Ages of Man playing cards designed and produced by Jane Daniell, London, UK, c2007. Printer unknown. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + 2 extra cards in tuck box. Size: 56 x 87 mm. © Jane Daniell Illustration.
By Roddy Somerville
France • Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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