Medicaer Spielkarte No. 272 Italian Playing Cards, circa 1920

Item — Box: 3, item: 4

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

This collection contains decks of playing cards that were collected by Edwards H. Metcalf. The decks range in dates from the early 1800s to the mid-1900s. Many different card games are included in the collection, such as Man-Chu, fortune telling, and court.

Dates

Creation: circa 1920

Conditions Governing Access

Advanced notice required for access.

Biographical / Historical

This deck is finely lithographed and printed by Dondorf GmbH. Their theme is derived from historical and political events as well as artistic patrons from the Italian Renaissance. The court cards depict membersof the powerful Florentine dynasty of the Medici family. These are taken from oil paintings by Bronzino, Sustermans, and Pourbus. The scenic aces illustrate buildings that are relevant to the Medici dynasty. The deck uses the French standard suit system. They were producted between 1913 and 1933.

Full Extent

From the Collection: 2 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Physical Description

Two part slip case. White. Queen of hearts glued to one side and the back of the cards on the other. Backs of cards are printed with a red and gold design. Corners are gold-gilded. Scenic aces and kings and queens are Italian nobles.