Le Jeu des Personnages de l’Antiquité et du Moyen-Age

This pack must count as both a modern classic and a modern rarity. The artist, Edouard Pastor (1932-2007), better known for bronze sculptures, was inspired by Antiquity and the Middle Ages in the creation of these designs executed in screenprint. Apart from the red suit-signs, only black and gold colours have been used. The court cards are striking full-length figures, with (almost) naked queens. Each ace pip is set within a gold circle. The cards are oversize and are housed in a red presentation box with a black front leaf , half of which is pasted inside the front cover. This leaf carries a dedication to the artist by Jean Cocteau. A pattern of red and gold ‘nuts’ on a black background forms the back design.

Above: Le Jeu des Personnages de l’Antiquité et du Moyen-Age designed and published by Edouard Pastor, France, 1971. 52 cards + 2 Jokers in red presentation box with hinged lid. Size: 85 x 130 mm. Unknown printer.

A further edition of these cards carries the wording “EDITIONS B.O.A.” on the front leaf.