Jeanne d’Arc, “La pucelle d’Orléans”

This colourful pack about Joan of Arc (1412-1431) and her French and English contemporaries immediately reminds one of the manuscript illuminations known as “Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry” created between c1412 and 1416. No doubt this was the intention of the artist of the present pack, Patrice Louis. Joan of Arc (QH), the Maid of Orleans, has quite a modern look but the facial features of the other subjects are less flattering. The aces carry symbols associated with Joan of Arc, notably the sword and crown (AH), also used for the back design. The numeral cards are plain. Oddly, the Joker includes a club suit-sign four times; no, this is not the Jack of Clubs, as the court cards are marked in French (R, D, V). Blue was used as an alternative back colour. See the box►

Above: Jeanne d’Arc, “La pucelle d’Orléans” playing cards published by Editions Arts et Lettres, Nancy, France, 1976. Printed by J.M. Simon (Grimaud). 52 cards + 2 (identical) Jokers + 1 double-sided extra card in tuck box. Size: 63 x 88 mm.