J. Deluy c.1490s
Archaic Spanish-suited cards produced by J. Deluy c.1490s.
The cardmaker’s name can be read on the knave of cups. The pack contains standing kings and queens (queens instead of cavaliers which are usually found in Spanish-suited packs), and the queen of coins carries a pet dog. If the French suit system was invented in circa 1480, the question arises what type of cards were the French using before that invention? If the answer is cards like these, then Spanish-suited cards were not exclusively used in Spain. France shared certain territories with Spain during the XV century and before. This would also be consistent with the fact that Spanish-suited cards are still used in certain parts of France for the game of Aluette.
Above: 2 fragments of uncut proof sheets of archaic Spanish-suited cards produced by J. Deluy c.1490s. Stencil coloured woodcut, no border-breaks. Source gallica.bnf.fr / Bibliothèque nationale de France • Planches de cartes d'un jeu à enseignes latines►
By Simon Wintle
Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
Related Articles
Jeu Révolutionnaire
Court cards and aces from a French Revolutionary pack by Pinaut, Paris, c.1794.
French Revolutionary cards by Pinaut
Seven cards from a French Revolutionary pack by Pinaut featuring characters from classical antiquity...
Tarot de las Coscojas
Historical playing card design, tarot symbolism and an almost psychedelic medieval surrealism.
Tarot de Valverde de la Vera
A series of 24 surrealist engravings by Mexican artist Claudio Favier in which archetypal Tarot alle...
Never Mind the Belote
Limited edition Belote pack with designs by a collective of 24 street artists.
Sannois dans les étoiles
Celebrities and buildings associated with Sannois, a commune in the suburbs of Paris.
Le Globe Céleste
Views and plans of five international exhibitions held in Paris between 1855 and 1900.
Baraja de Juan Martín Zamorano
Deck inspired by El Pendón de los Zamorano, a military pennant dating from 1501, published by Priego...
Le Journal de Mickey
Perforated sheet of cards with Disney characters issued with the magazine Le Journal de Mickey.
Tarot hiéroglyphique égyptien
The design of the cards draws inspiration from various religious and philosophical traditions merged...
Heráldica Castanyer No. 16
Strange variant of international pattern cards for poker or bridge.
La Réussite (Sébastien Féraut)
Sébastien Féraut’s designs inspired by the animal kingdom for a set promoting patience games.
Le Tarot de Sète
Reinterpretation of the Tarot de Marseille by Julien Labat, an artist from Sète.
Oracle Rock
Cartomantic set depicting rock and pop stars, designed by La Rata, with a book by Virginie Despentes...
Jeu Numismatique
European coins of all periods replace the traditional courts and pips.
Jeu Philatélique
Cards with French postage stamps featuring famous literary figures.
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 28 days
