Pierre Etaix

Pierre Etaix (1928-2016) was a French clown, comedian, writer, illustrator, director and filmmaker, but he trained first to be a graphic designer. He considered himself to be, above all, a clown, hence the designs on the two Jokers. Not only are the court card designs bold, original and colourful but the style and arrangement of the pips are striking as well. The artist’s signature appears on the Ace of Clubs. The back is plain black with a gold border. See the box►

Above: Pierre Etaix playing cards made by Héron S.A., Bordeaux, for Editions Gilbert Salachas, Paris, France, c1985. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + 1 extra card in tuck box. Size: 63 x 88 mm.

Another edition of these cards was produced for ANCE (Agence Nationale pour la Création d’Entreprises), with 32 cards, 2 Jokers, and 11 extra cards with rules for a new game of entrepreneurs. This version had a back design in rainbow colours.