Cartes politiques : Jeu d'actualité
Political playing cards published by Grimaud et Chartier, Paris, 1872.
This French political pack was created during a period of significant socio-political upheaval, designed to reflect contemporary current affairs as a form of entertainment. The early 1870s were marked by the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War, the fall of the Second Empire and the establishment of the Third Republic. The 12 non-standard court cards represent the republic (hearts), the constitutional monarchy (clubs), the Empire (diamonds) and spades the legitimate monarchy. The four suit symbols have also been adapted into emblems representing forms of government • See the wrapper
Above: Political playing cards (‘Jeu d'actualité’) published by Grimaud et Chartier, Paris, 1872. 52 cards + wrapper, rounded and gilded corners, chromolithography, 8.6 x 5.6 cm. Backs plain blue or pink. Bibliothèque nationale de France
References
Bibliothèque nationale de France: Cartes politiques. Jeu d'actualité►
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
Jeux de Cartes de la Haute-Marne
Double pack featuring historical figures and local views of the Haute-Marne, to mark its bicentenary...
Saarberg 79
Saarberg mining pack for 1979, with designs by Fritz Ludwig Schmidt.
Ministère des Postes et Télécommunications
Famous figures connected with the French postal service, with designs by Henri Simoni.
Jeu Buffon
Illustrations of different birds from works by Buffon to celebrate the bicentenary of his death.
Pathé Marconi
Special promotion pack for French record company Pathé Marconi.
Archaic Spanish-suited pattern from Bayonne
Archaic Franco-Spanish pattern from Bayonne by a manufacturer with the initals M.V.
Caisse Mutuelle d'Assurance et de Prevoyance
Insurance propaganda pack for Caisse Mutuelle d'Assurance et de Prevoyance with humorous artwork by ...
Jeu Révolutionnaire
Court cards and aces from a French Revolutionary pack by Pinaut, Paris, c.1794.
Doppel-Deutsche Karten by Bratří Willnerové, Teplice
This deck from local manufacturer Bratří Willnerová offers a standard version of the popular Central...
French Revolutionary cards by Pinaut
Seven cards from a French Revolutionary pack by Pinaut featuring characters from classical antiquity...
Zürcher Festspiel 1903
Swiss-suited pack designed by Robert Hardmeyer featuring figures from art and politics.
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.
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...
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 28 days
