French Catalan pattern

Cartes Catalanes by Dieudonné et Cie, France, c.1895

These Spanish-suited cards are used in a small area in the Eastern Pyrenees region of Southern France which has strong Catalan traditions. The French Catalan pattern seems to have developed its own identity in Perpignan during the nineeenth century. The designs are derived from the old “Spanish National” pattern but are different from the Spanish Catalan pattern. The broken frame lines, or ‘pintas’, have been preserved.

Above: Cartes Catalanes by Dieudonné et Cie, Angers & Paris, France, c.1895. The cards are manufactured by descendents of Jean Dieudonné of Grevenmacher (c.1720-1795).

Cartes Catalanes by La Ducale, France

Above: Cartes Catalanes are used in a small area in the Eastern Pyrenees region of Southern France, 48 cards.