Parisian Spanish pattern by Fossorier, Amar et Cie

The 'Parisian' Spanish pattern derives from the old Spanish National pattern. It was adopted by Parisian card makers in the 19th century for export to South America and contains some idiosyncrasies which make it distinctive. The pattern was widely used in South America (especially Uruguay) where it became popular, with some versions explicitly labelled as “Estilo Paris” or simply “Paris”. If it dies out there, it may become extinct.

The ace of coins has the publisher’s monogram “F.A. Cie” inside a wreath within the central coin, with “Paris” appearing in the ribbon below. The designer’s name E. Helle can be seen in the bottom left-hand corner of the 10 of coins whilst a unicorn/sea monster appears on the four of coins. The tax stamp can be seen on the two of swords. Other notable elements include a hand grasping the ace of batons, small ascending arrows on the ace, two and three of batons, kings wearing stockings beneath their parted robes, and a tethered hound on the 10 of coins. It sometimes features female cavaliers. All the court cards are standing on a small piece of scenery.

Above: ‘Parisian’ Spanish pattern published by Fossorier, Amar et Cie (Paris), c.1902. 48 cards, colour lithography, 8.7 x 5.6 cm. Source gallica.bnf.fr / Bibliothèque nationale de France • Jeu de cartes au portrait espagnol►